International Womens’ Day (March 8)

Photo By Priscilla Du Preez

“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” 

Melinda Gates

There is no shortage of strong women in our lives. Take a moment to reflect on the women in your life.

International Women’s Day was founded in 1910. Clara Zetkin proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration of women. Australia’s first IWD was in 1928. Women protested in Sydney, calling for equal pay, an 8-hour working day and paid leave.

It is shameful that women still need to campaign for pay parity and equal opportunity!

The United Nations formally adopted International Women’s Day in 1975. The UN theme for IWD is ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equity”.

The vital role that women have played in shaping our society is there for all to see. IWD is the opportunity for our community to celebrate and acknowledge the women in our lives.

Our children grow and learn, guided by skilled teachers. Women bring experiences into education, experiences that men will never know. Marian Wright Edelman noted that children are ‘less likely to be inspired for their future if they don’t have visible role models’.

You can’t be what you can’t see.

Politicians can spin out numbers and flash around glossy brochures. A growing awareness across our society is that women should be in decision making positions of the Government. The tearing down of female leaders, thrives in the grossly offensive conduct of vested interests and the media.

Successful businesswomen are standing tall, as role models for our daughters, sisters, and aunts.

The theme for this year’s celebration of IWD is ‘Inspire Inclusion’.

Women are leaders and changemakers, working to improve and enrich our society. The barriers to success are self-evident in outdated gendered norms and roles.

How will you celebrate the women in your life?

International Women’s Day is that opportunity.

Resources to support IWD for schools can be found here:

https://unwomen.org.au/get-involved/international-womens-day/schools/
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Resources