International Men’s Day comes early for boys in Benalla
Women’s rights advocacy group Zonta International celebrated International Men’s Day early in north-east Victoria, holding a Boys’ Career Breakfast in March to offer mentorship and advice on careers.
Organiser Christine Haddrick told the Shepparton News that Zonta had done the same for girls to mark International Women’s Day and, in the interests of equality, they wanted to help young men in the community.
Holding the breakfast on or around International Men’s Day on 19 November, was impractical as the target audience were studying for exams.
“We've married the boys up with mentors that match a career they are interested in,” she told the Shepparton News.
“Quite a few of the boys are interested in defence, so we have a mentor from the RSL.
“One of our guest speakers, Snr Constable Luke Baker, is an ex-army man and then moved into policing.” Other mentors included a mayor and a real estate agent.
Ms Haddrick said the boys responded positively and that Zonta hoped to make the breakfast an annual event.
“Young men don’t always like to talk too much, but they are really engaged and are talking with the mentors, and that is the most important thing.
"We hope they take something positive, even if it’s just one little thing, from this breakfast.”
Planning an event for International Men’s Day 2023?