Today I want to talk about International Women’s Day. On 8 March each year, International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the achievements made by women, the progress made towards gender equality and emphasises the work that still needs to be done. International Women’s Day was established by women, for women, and it is a day that I am very passionate about.

During 1908, women’s consistent oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and increasingly active in campaigning for change. After a major rally for better working conditions, increased pay and voting rights for women, America established the National Women’s Day in 1908. Following heavy conversation and contention internationally about having a day dedicated to women, International Women’s Day was adopted by countries across the globe.

The United Nations provides a theme for International Women’s Day every year. The original theme, which was in 1996, was “Celebrating the past. Planning for the future”. In 2024 our theme for International Women’s Day was “Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress”. Without equal access to education, employment pathways, financial services and literacy, we will not be able to achieve greater gender equality. This year’s theme highlights the importance of needing to invest resources and funds into women to ensure women’s rights across all aspects of life, as it is the only way to secure prosperous and just economies.

This year’s theme of “Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress” called for the removal of barriers to women’s success and to build an Australia with equal opportunities together. Gender inequality is pervasive and persistent in the Australian economy and, consequently, women experience a lifetime of economic inequality, despite performing essential activities in paid and unpaid capacities. As this year’s International Women’s Day theme implied, investing in women is a cornerstone for building inclusive and prosperous societies.

I would like to take a moment to talk about some of the great groups that I met and events I attended in the lead-up to International Women’s Day this year which highlight all the great work happening here in the ACT to support women. I recently caught up with the head of Educacion Diversa, which works to provide education to children and adolescents in underdeveloped communities through art-based inclusive education about diverse topics, to break the cycle of poverty.

One of their main projects, Dr Diversa, aims to educate, promote and provide sexual health knowledge to youth around the world. This year they are focusing on educating students of all genders about menstruation. Educacion Diversa are aspiring to host an art gallery event later in the year which will bring attention to menopause and menstruation through art. Their project for this year really speaks to the theme of International Women’s Day, “Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress”, as involving all genders in menstruation and menopause education is majorly beneficial to women. Organisations like Educacion Diversa make progress towards gender equality that really show what International Women’s Day is all about.

I have been to some excellent events over the last few weeks to celebrate International Women’s Day for 2024. I was present at the Alo Enlightened Women’s International Women’s Day event, where it was great to hear a diverse group of women entrepreneurs who managed to accelerate through the Australian business scene. I joined the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union breakfast, and it was great to hear from women in construction about how their industry is evolving to invest more resources into women and women’s participation.

I also attended the Women’s Inspiration Network of Canberra’s International Women’s Day celebration. It was amazing to be able to meet such inspiring women who want to help and inspire others to build their capabilities. I attended the Planning Institute of Australia’s International Women’s Day breakfast, which was another great morning, meeting women who continuously work to include more women in the planning and development profession. Additionally, I went to the Australian Education Union’s women’s trivia event, which was an outstanding event and acknowledged everything that women across the world have achieved.

It is important that we recognise the history of International Women’s Day and take into consideration continuous efforts that women have made for years. It is also pertinent that we remind ourselves of this year’s theme of “Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress” and continue to work together to achieve gender equality for all.