21 April 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez was invited to the International Women’s Day Breakfast hosted by Minister of Women’s Affairs Jo Goodhew in association with the United Nations Women National Committee (UN Women NC), Aotearoa, New Zealand (NZ) and Zonta International on March 7 at the Banquet Hall, Parliament, Wellington. The International Women’s Day Breakfast was held to celebrate International Women’s Day in New Zealand.

Ambassador Benavidez joined women from different professions, positions and advocacies, girls from colleges and participants from various sectors in highlighting the roles and accomplishments of women and their continuing important contributions to development, gender equality and empowerment for positive and life transforming change. The Ambassador of Switzerland Marion Weichelt Krupski and women Members of Parliament were also present.

The programme started with Ms. Sue Kedgley, President, UN Women NC Aotearoa NZ welcoming the guests and conveying her messages. Ms. Liz Brown, Secretary of the UN Women NC Aotearoa NZ introduced the distinguished speakers who presented perspectives and insights on the theme “Women and Democracy” for this year’s International Women’s Day. The speakers are: Hon. Jo Goodhew, Minister of Women’s Affairs; Ms. Lynn McKenzie, Zonta International President, the very first New Zealander to be elected to the position and keynote speaker; and Dame Anne Salmond, 2013 New Zealander of the Year and Distinguished Professor of Maori Studies and Anthropology at the University of Auckland. Ms. Agnes Espineda, President of Zonta Club of Wellington gave the closing remarks.

The annual International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Parliament provides an excellent platform and valuable opportunity for highlighting women’s perspectives on development, commitment, and advancement across all sectors, levels and aspects of life in New Zealand.  END