International Women’s Day

Every March, the world recognises the accomplishments of women in areas such as culture, politics, the economy, and society. This matters as IWD serves to celebrate how far women’s rights and gender equality have come, as well as highlight what still needs to be done.

Equality, inclusion and empowerment are values we hold dear at Amaroo Club; qualities that were encapsulated brilliantly through the inspiring stories of our guest speakers: Donna Urquhart from Run Antarctica, and Angela Odero from Rio Fish Limited.

Donna’s story is a remarkable example of human endurance and focus. In December 2023, Donna set out to complete a feat no man or woman had achieved before – to run more than 1200km at Antarctica’s Union Glacier to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest polar ultra-marathon.

Not only did she achieve this feat pushing through sub-zero temperatures and 100 km/h winds, she continued passed her original goal of 1300km to reach the staggering final mark of 1402km in 28 days!

Facing physical and mental exhaustion throughout this mind-blowing achievement, Donna talked of the transformative nature of her journey and how it has further fuelled her desire to inspire and empower young girls and women to love and discover what’s possible for them in sport. And to break down the barriers that prevent them from participating.

To learn more about Donna’s story and to support her new foundation, EmpowerHer Sport, please click here.

Angela’s story is just as remarkable. Motivated by an unwavering commitment to social justice and women’s empowerment, Angela established Rio Fish Limited with the aim of eradicating the sex-for-fish trade afflicting coastal communities in Kenya. Through Angela’s exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, her enterprise has positively impacted more than 200 rural women through engagement in fish farming, offering training on fish husbandry, and by also supplying fresh, high quality fish to empower women traders economically.

Supporting Angela on her journey has been ygap (co-founded in 2008 by Amarooian Elliot Costello), an international organisation that supports early-stage social impact ventures with locally-led solutions to local problems. So it was also equally moving to hear from ygap’s Nooreen Dossa, as she talked about the challenges faced by trailblazers such as Angela and the importance of rallying organisations and individuals to invest in these incredible people.

You can learn more about ygap and their new initiative, Ycapital here.

Thank you to our amazing speakers and co hosts – Andrew and Kristen – for a wonderful day of inspiration and celebration. And please save the date for our next major event on Wednesday June 26, our annual Philanthropic Lunch.