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International Women’s Day: Taking Action for Equality 

 

 

*When referring to women, we’d like to emphasise that we’re referring to anyone and everyone who identifies as a woman. 

 

 

 

March 8th marks International Women’s Day - a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for gender equality. While progress has been made, we need to continue raising awareness of the discrimination and barriers women still face to accelerate women’s equality and positive change.  

 

I’m continually amazed by the women in my life. Growing up surrounded by incredible women, having brilliant friends who are women, and working primarily with girls and women, I witness their courage, resilience, abilities, and warmth every day. I am passionate about advocating for women’s rights and helping them find strength and recognising their value and worth.  

 

This blog is for all women - anyone who identifies as a woman. Let’s uplift, support, and celebrate each other and raise awareness about the kinds of problems we still face, and how we can advocate for, and support, women collectively.  

 

 

“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” 

 

Gloria Steinem, World-renowned feminist, journalist, and activist. 

 

 

Why We Need to Accelerate Change:  

 

A world where every woman and girl can access gender quality, and where legal, social and economic barriers to empowerment have been removed still remains out of reach. Girls and women face systemic pressures, social conditioning, and structural barriers which impact their safety, opportunity, and mental health and wellbeing.  

 

Women are 3 x more likely than men to experience a mental illness, with significantly higher rates of anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and mood disorders.  

 

Violence against women is a serious and widespread problem in Australia. 1 in 3 women experience violence in their lifetime, with men more commonly the perpetrators of physical violence, sexual harassment and sexual violence.  

 

Women are paid less and awarded fewer opportunities than men. Data shows that women earn $28,000 less on average than male counterparts. Nearly 3 in 4 (72 per cent) of all employers have a gender pay gap in favour of men. Women are underrepresented in leadership and decision making, with only 22.3% of CEOs being women.  

 

 

Why Do Women Face These Issues? 

 

Women face multiple societal beliefs that affect how they are perceived and treated, how others relate to them, their ability to progress in our careers, and even how they see themselves.  

 

Biases, Stigma and Stereotypes 

• Emotional stereotypes: the idea that women are “too much” ... Too emotional, too intelligent, or too intense. Women can be dismissed as “overreacting” or being “crazy” or “dramatic”. Over time they might start to believe this themselves and begin internalising emotions rather than seeking support and calling it out.  
• Competency biases: Women’s ability to perform certain roles can be overlooked or questioned, reducing their opportunities for career development and growth. 
• Appearance over ability: Women are often judged based on their looks rather than their contributions and ideas. Women are expected to meet unrealistic and unattainable beauty standards set by others and the media.  
• Victim blaming: Women can be unfairly blamed, or their behaviour scrutinised when they experience harassment, abuse, or violence.  

 

Gendered Expectations and Roles 

• There’s an underlying notion that women should “do it all” – have and care for a family, maintain the home, be a good partner and friend, and build a career. It isn’t possible to do it all and this is a recipe for burnout and mental illness.  
• Women are often expected to take responsibility for unpaid domestic duties including childcare, housework, and running a home, sometimes on top of paid work. Women spend eight hours more than men on unpaid domestic work each week. 

 

Institutional Barriers  

• Workplace discrimination: Women are paid less and have fewer leadership opportunities due to gender pay gaps, hiring biases, and workplace cultures that favour men. Women at work are often prevented from receiving promotions or opportunities due to assumptions of childbearing and family responsibilities.  
• Legal and Policy Gaps: Inadequate protections against gender-based violence, lack of affordable childcare, and gaps in paid parental leave disproportionately affect women. 
• Healthcare Disparities: Women’s pain and health concerns (e.g., experiences of endometriosis) and mental health concerns are often under researched, leading to underdiagnosis and mistreatment. 

 

These systems uphold inequality, making it harder for women to access safety, success, and mental health and wellbeing.  

 

What we can celebrate

 

• At the same time as acknowledging the challenges, we’ve also made incredible strides in women’s advocacy and empowerment in Australia.  
• Women’s sports have seen record-breaking investment and visibility, with teams like the Matildas inspiring millions.  
• Some states, like Victoria and Queensland, now offer paid menstrual and reproductive leave for public sector workers.  
• Women’s representation in the political arena is higher than ever.  
•  Increased government funding supports women’s rights organisations, and national action plans continue to address gender-based violence and workplace equality.  

 

 

These wins show progress is happening AND there is plenty more we can do toward positive change.  

 

 

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” 

 
Anne Frank  
 

 

How we can ALL help  

 

Call out sexism and bias. Speak up when you hear sexist comments or see bias. 
Example: If a woman is interrupted, say, “Let her finish.” 

 

Support women’s careers. Pay women fairly, mentor them, and promote leadership. Support women-owned businesses and women in sports. 
Example: Show your support for the Matildas by attending their games. 

 

Share unpaid labour. Divide household and emotional work fairly. 
Example: If your loved one does most of the cooking, offer to take turns or do the dishes. 

 

Stand against violence. Intervene safely, believe survivors, and educate others. 
Example: If you see harassment in public, report it, check in with the person affected, and offer support and resources (see below). 

 

Advocate for policies. Support equal pay, paid leave, and better protections. 
Example: Vote for leaders who prioritise gender equality and workplace reforms. 

 

Teach equality. Encourage kids to challenge gender roles and respect all voices. 
Example: Give kids books with strong female role models and normalise boys and men taking care of children and domestic duties. 

 

Push for better healthcare. Demand fair treatment for women’s health issues. 
Example: Share resources on conditions like endometriosis and advocate for better research. 

 

 

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." 
 

 Helen Keller 

 

 

It’s so important we stay aware of the issues that still affect so many women today, so we can work together toward positive change. International Women’s Day reminds us of the incredible strength, resilience, and progress women have made. This year, think about the practical steps YOU can take to support yourself, uplift others, and advocate for women’s rights. 

 

 

Further Reading & Resources 

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/  

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme 

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/04/australia-gender-pay-gap-government-report  

The Mental Load: Comic by Emma Clit 

MindBodyGreen: Understanding the Mental Load 

Gender Pay Gap Statistics (WGEA) 

Mission Australia: Standing Against Domestic Violence 

Feminist Services & Women’s Mental Health (TNL Community Fund) 

 

 

If you need support, contact one of these services: 

 

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732. This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Individuals can also access local support services and search the internet using Daisy, a free app developed by 1800RESPECT that protects user privacy. 

 

Lifeline: 13 11 14. Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can call 13 11 14, or text 0477 13 11 14 at night (6pm-midnight AEDT). 

Someone will help put you in contact with a crisis service in your state or territory. 

 

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636. Information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. 

 

Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800. Australia wide free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. 

 

13 Yarn: 13 92 76. The first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. They offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. 

 

Healthdirect Australia. Healthdirect provides a free* 24-hour health triage, information and advice service. *Calls from landlines are free. Mobile charges may apply. 

 

MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978. Supports men and boys who are dealing with family and relationship difficulties. 24/7 telephone and online support an information service for Australian men. 

 

SHine SA. Call the Sexual Healthline on 1300 88 3793 or toll free 1800 18 8171 (country callers only). SHine SA provides confidential information for sexual and reproductive health issues. Sexual and reproductive health questions can be answered by an experienced sexual health nurse who can also refer individuals to other area-health services if ongoing support is needed.