Women Share Stories and Culture at Berwick Luncheon

Women across Berwick discovered something powerful this weekend: their differences are exactly what brings them together.

E-Girl Empowerment, a Casey nonprofit, hosted the "Around Her Table" luncheon on Saturday at Rossmoyne Family & Community Centre. The event brought together women from diverse cultural backgrounds to share meals, stories, and traditions in a space designed for genuine connection.

The afternoon featured live performances that showcased the rich cultures represented. Alison performed a traditional Mauritian dance while Sujatha shared a song, giving everyone a taste of the diverse heritage around the table.

Casey Councillor Lynette Pereira attended and celebrated the municipality's multiculturalism. "Something as simple as sitting together and listening to one another's stories can create powerful and lasting connections," she said.

Pereira encouraged attendees to step outside their comfort zones. She asked them to introduce themselves to someone new and share their own experiences, reminding everyone that "every woman has a story worth hearing."

Liberal candidate for Narre Warren South, Norliah Syer-Petersen, opened up about her personal journey. She shared how losing her son last year inspired her decision to serve the community, creating a moment of vulnerability that resonated throughout the room.

Why This Inspires

Founder Gertrude Sarvananthan explained that the event represents something deeper than a simple meal. "When a woman brings a dish from her culture, she isn't just bringing food, she is bringing part of her family, her history and her story," she said.

The table becomes a powerful equalizer. Food crosses language barriers and cultural divides in ways that words sometimes cannot.

Sarvananthan emphasized the importance of belonging in building community. "We want women to feel that they belong, that their stories matter and that their experiences can help inspire and connect someone else," she explained.

The event revealed a simple truth: despite different countries, cultures, and life experiences, women share more common ground than they might expect.

Saturday proved that creating space for authentic conversation can transform strangers into friends, one shared meal at a time.