Women take a stand

By Jade Lawton
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 was Sherene Hassan’s darkest day.
Speaking at Westpac’s International Women’s Day brunch in Casey last week, the vice-president of the Islamic Council of Victoria explained how that day changed her life.
Sherene watched the events of the 9-11 terror unfold in Adelaide, where she lived at the time with her husband and four children.
“It was the most gut-wrenching thing I have ever had to deal with, the darkest day of my life,” she said.
“There was a backlash against Muslims in Adelaide, and Muslim women were told to stay at home.”
After three days stuck inside the house, Sherene went food shopping.
A man was physically restrained by his wife to prevent him spitting on her and a hoon revved his car in a mock attempt to run her over.
When she got home, she wrote a letter to three newspapers condemning the terrorist attacks but calling for calm towards the Islamic community.
“I received a letter from a couple saying we were very sad to read your letter and showing solidarity for the Muslim community,” she said.
After moving to Melbourne, Sherene was flicking through TV channels when she came across a Muslim man “ranting and raving a divisive, hateful message.”
“I’m usually a very calm person but I turned to my husband and said I can’t believe this man has been given the role of speaking for our community,” she said.
Sherene, a teacher, decided to leave the profession to promote a more balanced view of Islam.
Sherene was elected on to the board of the Islamic Council of Victoria, and recently elected vice-president.
“Aside from having to deal with a handful of crackpots in our community, we also address stereotypes of Muslim women … there are some distorted teachings of Islam and patriarchal misinterpretations. Don’t judge muslims by our worst examples,” she said.
Sherene offered the crowd of Casey businesswomen two pieces of advice.
“Believe in yourself – there will always be people who try and drag you down. And stand up for justice, no matter who you are up against.”
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford also spoke about her role on the council, and called for equal rights and equal opportunities for women.
She referred to a recent survey that showed only four women held CEO positions in the top 200 publicly-listed companies. (Since the survey was taken, Westpac has appointed a female CEO.)
“Women are still not rising to the top at the same rate as their male counterparts,” she said. “My journey began 10-years ago as an underemployed single mother…I had just a rusty university degree, a part-time job and a refusal to resort to welfare.
“I nearly dropped my phone when a friend of mine said why don’t you stand for council.”
Nominations closed the following day, and Cr Wreford nominated herself with little understanding of the election process.
“I had a crash-course in electioneering – I had no running mates, no political backing, no experience. I was way out of my comfort zone but wasn’t daunted by failure.”
Cr Wreford was not elected in the first election, and she vowed to try again for the next term, in three years. But just over a month after the swearing-in, a newly elected councillor resigned and a by-election was held in the council ward. Cr Wreford was elected and is now in her eighth year on the council.
“I am determined not to just warm a seat, but to leave a small legacy in the community. If we make the right decision for the right reason at the right time, we can demonstrate our leadership,” Cr Wreford said.
The Women’s Day brunch, held at the City of Casey offices last Wednesday, also promoted www.therubyconnection.com.au, a Westpac-run site that offers networking and inspiration for Australia’s businesswomen.