International Women's Day 2021

On Sunday 7th March 2021, at Sheldon Reception in Sunshine, 350 ladies gathered together to celebrate International Women’s Day 2021. This event was organized by MACO – The Macedonian Australian Community Organisation Incorporated & has been an annual event for over 10 years.

Maria & Lidija Neskovski 

It was so wonderful to see so many ladies coming together to celebrate the amazing women in our  life and their achievements, for it was only a few short weeks after the 2020 International Women’s Day Celebration that Australia went into lockdown due to the Covid 19 Pandemic.

Natalie Suleyman MP & Lidija Neskovski 

This year’s theme #ChoosetoChallenge was embraced. It encourages us all to think critically about our own thoughts and actions and how we can better promote gender equality and celebrate women’s achievement.  In previous years, strong & successful women who have had a positive & empowering effect on their community have been selected and their achievements have been acknowledged and celebrated.

This year, the emphasis was on all women around the world - mothers, daughters, partners, wives, employees, employers, friends… as they wear so many hats & have so many roles.  They were recognized for their hard work, dedication & support they have given their families, their communities and for the positive impact they have had during this global pandemic. 

One person who received a well-deserved mention on this special day was Lidija Neskovski – President of MACO & proprietor of Sheldon Reception. She has worked tirelessly & selflessly over 30 + years, not only here in Victoria but also in Macedonia to promote and share her vision of a strong & United Macedonian Community here in Australia. 

I have to say that for me, this was one of the most successful Women’s Day celebrations. As I looked out over all the beautiful ladies, dancing, having fun, socializing, enjoying our beautiful Macedonian music performed by Tatjana  Lazarevska who was accompanied by Nenad Stojmenov & Seko Gjipsey...

Tatjana  Lazarevska

Seko Gjipsey

Nenad Stojmenov

I felt an inner peace , joy & contentment. During the lockdown, we were forced to sacrifice so many things. Many called it a re-set. For me, it reminded me of what was most important – our health, our family, our friends, our community, our wonderful life here in this beautiful country Australia.  Coming together at events like this brings joy to the heart & soul. Now that things are returning to some sort of normality – we definitely need more of this.

Written by: Kalina Dimovski

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