WIRE's Great Debate: The Good Old Days Weren't That Good

Committed to justice and gender equity WIRE has been fighting to address social and structural inequalities impacting women and gender diverse people for many years. 

WIRE's trailblazing free support services have made a powerful difference to countless lives across Victoria, and this special International Women's Day event will acknowledge and celebrate the pioneering social justice achievements of WIRE and honour the ways in which its work has improved and sustained the lives of women across generations. 

To celebrate this triumphant milestone, a fun, vigorous, and enlightening debate will take place at Melbourne's dazzling Capitol Theatre, where teams will argue for and against the adage "The Good Old Days Weren't That Good". The event will be hosted by educator, comedian, broadcaster, and host extraordinaire Nelly Thomas, and RMIT academic and expert in behavioural economics Meg Elkins. Experts, comedians, and advocates including Yumi Stynes, Claire Hooper, Geraldine Hickey, Janty Blair, Rana Hussain, Chris Ryan, and Ro Allen will bring their very best entertaining and educational arguments to the stage, in what will be a forum for laughter, contemplation, and celebration. 

Delving into the past and present, our speakers will challenge prevailing narratives, shed light on steps toward progress, and foster a deeper understanding of uneven advances in gender equality across the years. The event will explore women's economic empowerment as a tool to end social injustice and enable liberation and inspire awareness and action for a more inclusive future.