What International Women’s Day Means to Me

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day of celebration, reflection, and collective determination. As women in Australia, we have much to be proud of and much to continue striving for. It is a moment to honour how far we have come, to acknowledge the shoulders we stand on, and to pledge our commitment to lifting others as we climb. Yes, we’re multi-tasking—heels, handbags, and all.

 

To be a woman in Australia today is to live in a world of growing opportunity. We are seeing women thrive in industries once considered off-limits: from leading our government to spearheading innovation in STEM fields, from dominating sports arenas to creating global impact in arts and advocacy. Australian women are breaking barriers, speaking their truths, and redefining what is possible. (And let’s be real, we’re doing it all while battling the eternal mystery of why jeans pockets are so tiny.)

 

The progress is undeniable. We are benefiting from rights and privileges that earlier generations of women fought hard for—the right to vote, the right to education, and the right to enter spaces and conversations once dominated by men. However, our empowerment is not just about personal achievements; it is about what we do with that power.

 

Hint: It’s not just smashing glass ceilings; it’s about sweeping up the shards so no one else gets hurt.

 

On this International Women’s Day, it is vital to remember that empowerment is not universal. For many women, the journey is still fraught with obstacles: gender-based violence, unequal pay, lack of access to healthcare and education, and systemic bias. As Australian women, we are uniquely positioned to be advocates for inclusion and equity—not just here, but globally. (Think of us as the Oprah Winfrey of fairness: “You get support! You get support! Everyone gets support!”)

 

Holding space for others means listening to diverse voices and ensuring everyone’s story is heard and valued. It means standing alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women as they fight for recognition and justice. It means welcoming and uplifting migrant and refugee women who bring resilience and richness to our communities. It means supporting women with disabilities, LGBTQ+ women, and women navigating socioeconomic challenges. (Basically, we’re building the ultimate women’s support squad—like the Avengers, but with better snacks and no capes.)

 

True empowerment comes when we embrace inclusion as a responsibility, not just a concept. It’s about recognising our privilege and using it to dismantle barriers for others. It’s about creating environments where every woman feels safe, respected, and celebrated. And it’s about challenging societal norms that still impose limitations on what women “can” or “can’t” do. 

• Champion workplace policies that promote flexible working arrangements and equal pay.

• Advocate for accessible education and mentorship opportunities for women in underrepresented fields.

• Engage in conversations that challenge outdated stereotypes and sexism.

• Support women-owned businesses and initiatives.

On this day, we celebrate the milestones: the record-breaking number of women in leadership roles, the strides in maternal healthcare, and the growing awareness of mental health and wellbeing. But we also acknowledge the work that remains. (Because let’s face it, the to-do list for equality is still longer than the line for the women’s bathroom.)

The gender pay gap persists.  Domestic violence statistics remain troubling. Representation in certain industries, such as tech and engineering, still lags. Globally, the situation can be even more dire, with millions of women denied basic human rights.

The beauty of International Women’s Day lies in its dual nature—a time to reflect and a time to act. It reminds us that progress is not linear and that we must keep pushing, keep advocating, and keep believing in the power of women to transform society. (And yes, we’ll do it with the same determination we use to find the perfect shade of lippy.)

 

Being a woman in today’s world is a privilege, a challenge, and a call to action. In Australia, we have the tools, the networks, and the spirit to create meaningful change. Let’s use them. Let’s continue to support one another, celebrate our successes, and amplify the voices that need to be heard.

 

As we mark International Women’s Day, let’s remind ourselves of this: we’ve come so far, and though we have a way to go, we are on our way. Together, we can build a future where every woman, regardless of her background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive.

 

Here’s to holding space, lifting each other up, and moving forward—together. And maybe taking a well-deserved coffee break along the way. Because even superheroes need caffeine and cocktails.

 

Cat x