Nurse describes changing lives in Nepal during Laurieton IWD Breakfast

INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day 2026 was marked in the Camden Haven at an early morning breakfast at Laurieton United Services Club. 

Organised by Jenny Peters from the Rotary Club of Laurieton with entertainment from a local ukulele group; the event was well-attended and included student representatives from Camden Haven High School with an Acknowledgement of Country given by Kitty Miller and the national anthem performed by Olwen Williams.

The highlight of the morning was guest speaker Brittani Michelle, a registered nurse and member of the Rotary Club of Wauchope who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of girls and women in developing countries.

In 2018, she visited Nepal and was moved by what she saw: school buildings that were falling down and children unable to attend school due to a lack of basic resources.

Brittani told News Of The Area, “the women in Nepal represent power, strength, and true sisterhood.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside some incredible women and I believe all of them deserve access to healthcare and education.

“Progress doesn’t happen by accident; it comes about when people stand alongside each other.”

A chicken breeding project conceived by Brittani has enabled families in Chulthedada to become self-sufficient.

This has led to increased school attendance.

Before the project, only 15 percent of children in the area were attending school, now 80 percent are able to get an education.

Brittani’s vision for 2026 is a focus on health and wellness for girls and women in Nepal.

The country has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, often due to economic reasons.

Brittani’s plan will involve sponsoring young women from low socioeconomic groups to access a nursing program, both academic and practical, with a focus on ensuring gender equity in healthcare.

By Rachael THORPE