New South Wales(Australia): ‘Calling all Women of Courage’, a morning retreat, took place at the Brahma Kumaris, Blue Mountains Retreat Centre. The sun shone and the gum trees sparkled as the 17 participants ranging in age from mid-20s to late 60s shared stories of courage and power. Meditation and reflection led to a writing, drawing and exploration of how virtues enhance and support the value of courage. All joined in singing a closing song of healing and hope.
The history of International Women’s Day (IWD) was shared through a Power Point presentation by Sr. Jenny Forrest for about 20 people in the Spirituality Matters evening talk series. The presentation also included some of the history of the Brahma Kumaris as a women-led organisation. The main aim of IWD is achieving gender equality and Sr. Jenny spoke about how awareness of ourselves and others as spiritual beings helps to achieve that. There was also a special display in the bookshop with self-empowering products in the IWD colour scheme of green, white and purple.