International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of women throughout history and to look forward to a future of true gender equality. This year’s theme, “Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future”, is an exciting call to action for all of us to use our creativity and innovation to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their gender.
So, within this blog, we asked our team what International Women’s Day means to them, who inspires them, and how the day resonates with them.
For many of us, International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the women in our lives who inspire us with their strength and resilience. From mothers and grandmothers to sisters and friends, the women who surround us are a constant source of inspiration and motivation.
But we’re not just celebrating the women in our lives, we’re also using International Women’s Day as an opportunity to acknowledge shortcomings, raise awareness and take action for gender equality.
When we apply a carer lens, we see the gender inequity in caring roles, much like we do in many workplaces and industries. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2020, women were more likely than men to be primary carers for a person with a disability or long-term health condition, with 70% of primary carers being women.
Additionally, according to a Young Carer specific report by Carers Australia in 2015, 58% of Young Carers in Australia are female, while 42% are male.
We know there’s a long way to go, and the theme of innovation for a gender equal future is especially exciting for us. We believe that by harnessing our creativity and working together, we can unlock new solutions to the challenges facing women and create a more equitable world for all.
Let’s celebrate this International Women’s Day with excitement and optimism, knowing that together we can make a difference and create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Without further ado, here’s what our team had to say!
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“IWD to me means a day where we can celebrate femininity, masculinity, and everything in between that makes us women. It’s a day where we can thank women who’ve come before us, who’ve paved the way for equity in every facet of our lives. It’s a day where we can honour the female body and all that its’ capable of. It’s a day where I am reminded to be the best role model possible for my two little women, the next change makers in this crazy old world.”
Amy
“IWD means reflecting, acknowledging and embracing the amazing women that I have in my life. It is recognising women all over the world that came before me that faced many barriers in the quest for gender equality. Personally, IWD is a chance to celebrate the incredible women and girls around me, celebrate their strength, diversity, wisdom, courage, energy and kindness and empower them to know they can more than just one thing. They can be whoever they want to be.”
Gee
“To me, IWD means taking time to acknowledge and recognise the structural inequality that women face in our society, and reflecting on how we can make the world more just in the future.”
Mary
“A celebration of all things women, our strengths, our contributions, our impact on the world.”
Benita
“To recognise how far women have come over the years. Obviously, there’s still things we can be talking about, but it’s nice to be reminded about where we came from, and all the work that went into getting where we are today.”
Erin
What does this year’s theme ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’ mean to you?
“To me, ‘Cracking the Code’ means focusing on empowering women to use their knowledge and lived experience to innovate on some of the world’s biggest problems. To solve problems creatively, we need all kinds of diverse perspectives, voices and ideas.”
Mary
“We need to be elevating the voices of women and girls who bring valuable knowledge and ideas, but perhaps don’t have the platform to be heard. We need new solutions and innovation, as traditional thinking will not lead to progress. These ideas won’t come from one person or one homogeneous group.”
Emma
Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
“IWD is important in ensuring that a conversation is continued towards equity and equality across the board – celebrating one day won’t make the change, but it will open a dialogue about the change that needs to happen and how we hold each other accountable for that change.”
Maddy
“It’s a reminder that women be recognised as a contributor to the workforce.”
Julie
“IWD is a day for all generations to see how far women have come and how we can do it all. But also for our younger generations to see how hard women have fought and that we should not forget that.”
Monika
“Until genuine equity exists, we need a day to ensure it stays on the agenda. A day to cast a spotlight on all issues pertaining to women.”
Benita
Is there anyone that you look up to that is driving the equity conversation or action?
“Moana Hope – not only as a young woman paving the way for women in sport and the LGBTIQA+ community, but she is also a badass full-time carer for her sister Vinny!
Aretha Brown – the youngest person and only woman to be elected as the Prime Minister of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament!”
Maddy
“Brene Brown. Grace Tame. Rosie Batty.”
Amy
“I miss Julia Gillard, this country really missed an opportunity when she was Prime Minister. We let the media sway opinions and there was so much dirty politics at that time that the country missed a huge opportunity.”
Benita
Who are the female figures in your life who inspire you?
“My nana, my mum and my two beautiful first cousins are absolute trailblazers each in their own unique and wonderful way. Having the influences of these four inspiring women in my life has and continues to give me the confidence to get up and do what I do every day.”
Maddy
“My mum. My 3- and 5-year-old daughters. My dear friend Bec, mother of 4, and passionate advocate for women.”
Amy
“I have some incredible friends who are leaders in their professions. Strong, capable, intelligent, real women. Their honesty with me about their struggles to juggle career, family and taking care of themselves inspires me every day. Plus, I really love Dolly Parton!”
Benita
“My Mum (and my beloved Gran) – Mum is my rock, my lifeline, she has taught me everything I know, stand for and has raised me to be strong and independent. While growing up she told both my brother and I to smile in the face of adversity and to believe in ourselves no matter what anyone says.”
Erin
“My younger sister, for her wisdom, which is always rooted in empathy, logic and understanding. My mum, for being the kindest person I know and far too humble.”
Emma
