The Guardian 15 March, 2006
International Women’s Day 2006
On International Women’s Day, March 8, 80-90 people, mainly women, attended a peace picnic, organised by CODEPINK: Women Say No To War, in the Perth Concert Hall grounds, opposite the US Consulate.
Jo Vallentine, former Greens Senator, welcomed everyone to the peace picnic. Viv Dayman of CODEPINK extended IWD greetings and solidarity to women around the world, who are struggling against poverty, war and injustice. With special greetings to the women of Iraq who are living under the brutal US occupation, and the women of Sudan, who are living with the tragedy of the genocide of their people.
The Global Women’s Call For Peace In Iraq petition with 1,357 signatures, was delivered to the US Consul General by a delegation of women. These signatures were collected by the women of Perth, in less than three weeks.
Anti-war poems, written by Joan Williams, were read out, and a group called the Raging Grannies sang anti-war songs, and played fantastic music on a variety of musical instruments.
Well known local writer and activist for peace and women’s rights Irene Greenwood, was remembered by a reading from some of her writing.
Women, and a few men did the Elm Dance (a peace dance), and other circle dances.
Everyone was entertained by some great street theatre, in which CPA member, Richard Titelius became a willing participant.
A local radio station did interviews and took film. Two local photographers also filmed the event.
Many who attended the peace picnic, expressed a real interest in becoming more involved in actions to bring the war in Iraq to an end and prevent future wars.
International Women’s Day marches were also held in other major cities, in some cases designated as "women only" marches. Peace was also a dominant theme, along with abortion, child care and the industrial relations legislation.