Tomorrow is International Women’s Day (IWD) which is the global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Since its inception in the early 1900s, IWD has been a beacon of hope and progress for gender equality worldwide. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of women and highlighting the ongoing journey towards full gender parity.
Held annually on March 8th, IWD shines a spotlight on critical issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, violence against women and the empowerment of women across the globe. It serves as both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reminder of the work that is still ahead.
In Australia there remains significant disparities, despite progress, in various areas of gender equality. The gender pay gap remains a pressing issue, with women earning on average approximately 12% less than men.
Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions across sectors such as politics and corporate leadership. Despite women’s advancements in education, with more women graduating from universities than men, equal opportunities in the workforce are not guaranteed.
The statistics surrounding intimate partner violence in Australia are both staggering and sobering. On average, one woman per week is killed by her intimate partner, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action.
IWD serves as a platform to raise awareness of these issues and advocate for meaningful change towards gender equality.
This year the theme for IWD is “Inspire Inclusion.” To Inspire Inclusion is to embrace diversity and empowerment fully. It’s about recognising and celebrating the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalised communities. It’s about creating an environment where every woman feels valued, heard and empowered to thrive.
So how can you celebrate IWD? There are countless ways to get involved and show your support:
- Recognise Achievements: Take the time to honour and celebrate the achievements of women in various fields, whether it’s politics, science, arts or sport
- Raise Awareness: Spread awareness about critical gender equality issues, such as discrimination, violence against women, unequal access to education and healthcare and the gender pay gap
- Join campaigns: Participate in campaigns against gender-based violence, advocate for policy changes or support initiatives promoting women’s representation in decision-making roles
- Share on social media: Use your platform to share messages, images and stories that raise awareness and inspire others to take action
- Networking and Mentoring: Organise networking events or mentoring programs to connect women with each other and provide support and guidance in their personal and professional lives
This year at Inspire HQ, we’re excited to come together as a team and support Ballarat business Raven Collective at their IWD breakfast event. It will be a fantastic opportunity to network, honour and acknowledge the incredible women in our local community whilst continuing the conversation about gender equality and the ways we can provide ongoing support to each other.
It is important to note that IWD and Inspiring Inclusion goes beyond a day of celebrations. It’s about making tangible change in policies, practices and attitudes. It’s about breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for policies that promote gender equality and social justice.
It’s a reminder that our actions every day have the power to shape a more inclusive future for all.
