International Women’s Day has been celebrated around the globe since the first gathering was held in 1911 and was supported by more than a million people.
Women will continue to fight to be considered equal in society. Through International Women’s Day, we can continue to educate others with the aim to create a world where every woman and girl has equal opportunity to fulfil their full potential.
We can stand together as a society to support and celebrate the diversities and journey of every woman across the globe.
“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger, women are already strong, it’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength” Geena Dunne
The facts and Statistics.
According to the International Women’s Development Agency:
- In Australia one women a week is killed by their partner or ex-partner through acts of domestic violence
- Women’s reproductive rights vary by state and some countries will not allow termination whatever the reason.
- Violence against women and girls is increasing through domestic abuse, human trafficking and sexual assault.
- 87,000 women are killed every year just because they are women. Of those, 50,000 are subsequently killed by their male partners or family members – and those are only the deaths we know about.
“Don’t let anyone tell you you’re weak because you’re a woman” -Mary Kom
- In 111 countries it is not an explicit crime for a husband to rape his wife, as a result there are no repercussions for husbands who rape their wives.
- 45 countries do not have specific laws against domestic violence.
- 35% of women globally have experienced some kind of physical and/or sexual violence in their lives.
- Some national studies show that up to 70% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime.
As a global force, we have come so far with gender equality, although we still have far to go. International Women’s Day is a chance to stand together and be heard.
“When women support each other, incredible things happen.” –Unknown
Women in the Workplace.
According to McKinsey & LeanIn’s latest Women in the Workplace Report, men hold 79% of the top jobs with 93% of CEO’s of Fortune 500 Companies belonging to men.
Since 2015 some progress in senior leadership roles is evident with women now accounting for 21%. But women’s progression into these senior roles is hindered by the biggest obstacle being that first step up to manager.
For instance, every 100 men who are promoted or hired as managers, only 72 women are promoted or hired. 62% of management roles are held by men while women hold just 32%. As a result, more women are becoming stuck at entry-level roles unable to climb the corporate ladder.
“Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.” -Nelson Mandela
According to the International Women’s Development Agency:
2.7 billion women are legally restricted from having the same choice of jobs as men.
14%, is the size of Australia’s gender pay gap.
Spread the message that we as women are strong and deserve equal recognition and rights and we will continue to fight for it.
Gender equality is not a female issue, therefore it is vital that men are included in the conversation as we turn ideas into action.
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
“I can and I will. Watch me.” –Carrie Green
What I want as a woman.
As a woman, above all else, I want the right to feel safe. This is what matters most to me.
I want the right to walk freely down the street without the threat of attack or assault.
The right for all women to sleep soundly with their children in their home without the threat of physical or sexual assault.
To be the keeper of our own bodies. To determine who can touch our body and the right to choose whether to bear children or not.
“A girl should be two things: Who and what she wants.” –Coco Chanel
To not be disadvantaged in the workplace because they are a mother.
Recognise and honour the incredible way women unselfishly give of themselves to raise children, rather than disregard it.
The right to an education for all women around the world.
For women to have a voice globally in political matters and to have their say count.
“Shine on, not just today but every day.”
What I want for women in the workplace.
Women should have the opportunity to climb the corporate ladder in the same way that men do and not be held down and overlooked simply because they are a woman.
Reduce the patriarchal hierarchy of the corporate world and as a result, break through the glass ceiling and allow women to succeed to their full potential.
Dismantle the notion of the ‘boys club’ and in addition, stop the segregation of women in the workplace.
Be entitled to equal pay to their male counterparts for doing the same job.
“Never apologise for being a powerful woman.”
My hopes for women in the future.
Allow women to freely express themselves and their identity whether it be through, clothing, voice or action without repercussions unjustly forced on them by men.
Put a stop to this growing culture of looking upon women as sexual objects to be used and abused for the gratification of men.
I want every right and opportunity that men around the globe expect and receive to be equally bestowed upon women.
Stop looking upon women as being less than equal to their male counterparts.
“It’s not about bringing men down, it’s about bringing women up.”
Women’s rights are human rights.
In 2020 we have come a long way, however, we still have a long way to go.
“The strongest actions for a woman is to love herself, be herself and shine amongst those who never believed she could.”
My message to all the mums and dads out there raising the next generation.
To all the mothers of sons out there like myself. Let’s raise strong, empathetic and loving young men and bring them up to respect and honour all women of the world regardless of race, religion, status or political view.
As mothers, we have the opportunity to instil a new mindset in the next generation. Let’s start talking to our sons about what it’s like to be a woman and the adversities women around the world face.
Let’s teach our daughters that they are worthy of the best and to love themselves for who they are, and to never let anyone hold them back from achieving what they desire.
Respect and support our husbands, fathers and brothers and talk openly about the challenges women face in today’s society and how they can play their part in encouraging change.
To all the fathers out there, be a role model for your sons. Model respectful, loving and supportive behaviour towards women. Show your sons and daughters how you treat women as equals in the home, in the workplace and in your community.
Cherish and protect your daughters. Teach them that they are worthy and deserve love, support and respect by how you treat their mothers.
Hold your wives, daughters, mothers and sisters in high regard and expect others to do the same. Don’t except anything less from others.
International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to start having these important conversations and breaking down the barriers.
“Here’s to strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” –Unknown
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