At a recent event I was asked by a young woman what International Women’s Day meant to me and why was it still relevant today?
March 8th is a day of international celebration when we are encouraged to stop, reflect and recognize the many amazing women in our lives and in the world. From mothers, daughters, teachers, mentors and leaders, aunts, grandmothers, friends and colleagues, it is a day to acknowledge their sacrifice and their achievements. It also provides an opportunity for us to openly express just how Thankful we are for their presence in our lives.
But International Women’s Day is not just a day of international celebration. It is an opportunity to turn the spotlight on the plight of women across the globe. Whilst in Australia the conversation is very much about equality, and just this week a report was published that suggested the gender salary gap was greater in some industries than it was ten years ago, in other countries around the world the conversation is about choice. Women and girls having no choice.
They do not get the opportunity to choose an education, a career, their partners, or adequate access to health facilities.
It is often difficult for a single voice to be heard amongst the crowd. On March 8th, International Women’s Day individual voices are united to create the crowd and direct the conversation.
We have an opportunity to be heard, but importantly an opportunity to loudly shout that we acknowledge we all have a responsibility to ensure the ongoing empowerment of women across the globe.
Today, I am Thankful that I can be part of the crowd.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Kim McDonnell
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