International Women's Day
“Here’s to strong women.
May we know them.
May we be them.
May we raise them. ”
International Women’s Day
March 8, 2020
International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women around the world and the progress made towards a more equal society. At the same time, it is important to recognise that there is still progress that needs to be made to reach a point where every woman and girl around the world has equal opportunity to fulfil their potential.
The problem of gender inequality still persists.
The United Nations estimates that women make 77 cents for every dollar earned by men.
Australian men are still killing their partners or exes at a rate of one per week.
Although women make up over half of the global population, they still only occupy 23% of parliamentary seats globally.
Globally women experience disproportionate levels of poverty, lack of education and lack of access to health care.
The theme for this year’s IWD is “Each for Equal.”
An equal world is a better world and it is up to everyone to make it happen. Gender equality is essential for communities to thrive. Collective action and shared responsibility makes change possible.
Here are 6 ways you can make a difference this IWD!
1. Strike the #EachforEqual Pose
Motivate others by snapping a pic of you with your hands out in an equal pose and share it on your social media.
Post your #IWD2020 message and make IWD your day.
It ignites important conversations surrounding gender equality and creates a strong call to action.
2. Gather the amazing women in your life
Celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Gather the important women in your life for breakfast or lunch.
Attend an official IWD event.
Join a strike and march to end gendered violence, for equal labour rights and reproductive justice. (Here’s one happening in Perth!)
https://www.facebook.com/events/479918952916645/
3. Get Educated
Find out more about the feminist movement and the progress towards gender equality.
Learn about the intersectionality and the challenges faced by women around the world.
Listen to Ted Talks by inspiring women (here are links to some we love!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg3umXU_qWc
https://www.ted.com/talks/leymah_gbowee_unlock_the_intelligence_passion_greatness_of_girls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy8yLaoWybk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_8y0WLm78U
Read an inspirational book written by a woman. We love I am Malala and The Moment of Lift!
“One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. ”
4. Educate your friends
Celebrate your favourite women or female achievements, share them on social media!
Talk to your friends about gender equality. Starting conversations is an important part of social change.
5. Support women in all that you do
Be deliberate in your choices. Ask yourself, is this the best way I can support women?
Look at how many books on your shelf are written by women, how many songs on your playlist are by women.
Women need to promote the rights of all women. Look into where your clothes are made. While celebrating your femininity are you oppressing other women? The clothing industry is holding back millions of women in modern slavery. Check out Grace Forrest’s article on “Progress At what Price: The True Cost Of Your Clothes Could Be A Woman’s Freedom,” where she discusses exactly that.
https://www.marieclaire.com.au/true-cost-of-clothes-womans-freedom
“At its core, International Women’s Day should be about women for women.”
6. Do something kind for a woman you love
Make them feel special and appreciated.
Send flowers or write a card. We can all show gratitude and love for the women around us.
Check out our friends at Mettle Women Inc. They are an ethical gift delivery social enterprise who employ and train women who have been referred to them by a crisis shelter. Their gift boxes empower women while supporting them on their journey to find future employment. To celebrate IWD, they are giving away a limited edition Kalah Louise tote bag with every purchase.
