International Women's Day: the Tamworth community is bursting with female leaders and role models

Tamworth is a city bursting with strong female role models and leaders from all walks of life.

Juanita Wilson is one of only two female councillors of nine on Tamworth Regional Council.

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"I never overlook the responsibility or take for granted the opportunity to represent the community," she said.

"Another responsibility I have always felt as a woman in leadership is being an example to young girls.

"This includes encouraging them to see their great strengths."

Cr Wilson said representation should not only reflect society, but women also have much to contribute.

And, Tamworth is no different.

Kylie Endemi has helped to pave the way for women in almost 26 years in the police force.

She was the only female inspector in Tamworth when she moved here in 2010, and has recently been appointed the first-ever female commander in the Oxley Police District - the only woman in that rank in the western part of the state.

"I take great interest in developing all my staff to achieve their goals, but certainly I am committed to encouraging our female police to reach their full potential," she said.

"I would like to consider myself a role model as a working mother with children, who has worked a career at the same time; it has been challenging but we do have a supportive and inclusive organisation so I want to show other aspiring women that you can do both."

Bridget Guthrie is the director of the Tamworth Regional Gallery and Museums, a role she has held for more than four years.

"I look forward to the day when International Women's Day is no longer necessary," she said.

"When equal pay, equal rights and community attitudes are such that women are simply seen as equals."

This sentiment echoes the idea behind this year's national day.

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The theme for International Women's Day 2020 is 'Each for Equal', which means each person has the ability to make a change and create a world where genders are equal.

For the moment though, Ms Guthrie said it's important to remember the history of women's rights in Australia.

"I would like to remind young women of what my generation and those generations of women before me have fought for," she said.

"They are the reason for our present opportunities."

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