This years’ International Women’s Day (IWD) theme is “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.” More specifically, ‘Count Her In’ aims to examine the pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls everywhere.
The UN Women Australia website says –
“Women’s economic empowerment is central to a gender equal world. When women are given equal opportunities to earn, learn and lead – entire communities thrive. While important progress has been made, women face significant obstacles to achieving equal participation in the economy. Without equal access to education, employment pathways, financial services, and literacy, how can we ever hope to reach gender equality?”.
When speaking with women this year about the day, it is not hard to pick up on the slight dullness in their faces when all the buzz words are read out. Last year there was a call for ‘no more pink cupcakes’ and more action. This year, it’s not even that, it’s oddly quiet.
I had figured the nonchalant responses to IWD was a result of a sustained indifferent public conversation. Regular research reports and articles on social media feeds on women’s issues. Several women’s events booked in our calendars most years. The odd policy change or two that sparks media interest and makes a small dent of change, and then the everyday personal women’s empowerment that sees more women accessing flexible work (for example). All of which makes one celebratory day a drop in the ocean compared to the year-round efforts of so many.
This is not to say, that the day is no longer needed or even valued. It’s perhaps more of a case, that the struggle for gender equality is real and when IWD comes around and the progress update is minimal, it’s understandably disappointing and can be personal.
Personal and disappointing, when we learn that family domestic violence has increased in recent years and is a leading cause of homelessness for women at 51 per cent and 37 per cent of young people.
Personal and disappointing, when we learn that two thirds of Australian businesses have a gender pay gap in favour of men and we’re experiencing a cost-of-living crisis.
Personal and disappointing, that without equal access to education, employment pathways, financial services, and literacy as highlighted by the United Nations, how do rural, regional, and remote women expect to reach gender equality at all when their access to these, is either none or limited?
Without a doubt, the advancement of gender equality is complex and a long game. So, does caring about one day of the year really matter to its overall pursuit?
Yes.
First, the disappointment experienced is our touch point annually that we’ve not yet achieved our goal. Encouraging us to turn our disappointment into rejuvenated motivation. Encouraging us to keep having difficult conversations with our personal and professional networks about the various issues that drive a wedge between the genders. The more society is educated on gender inequalities, the more likely society is going to address them, and one day disappointment will not be the standard.
Second, the IWD themes does focus our thinking. For instance, this year our organisation, the RRR Network, is working closely with its banking partners to prioritise greater economic inclusion of regional women. We also are partnering to deliver financial literacy education to regional women, and in the regions, to ensure they can get access to education where they live.
Finally, IWD is about accountability to the cause and the role you play. This year, the RRR Network who advocates on key issues that affect RRR women, inspires leadership and supports women to achieve their goals is announcing its most recent investment into RRR women – its Regional Ambassador Program to accelerate RRR women’s leadership and learn how to better support women where they live.
You see, IWD and its themes, associated conversations, reminders, initiatives, events, and policies that it influences does inspire action, no matter how big or small. IWD aims to leave an imprint on society for another 364 days. This is what makes this day important.
So, if you were having second thoughts on attending an IWD event because you were thinking ‘what is the point?’…
The point is that you are committed to the cause and to keep learning of the progress we’ve made, even if some years it’s difficult to put your finger on it. It is just one day a year to stop, reflect, perhaps eat a cupcake or two, because they are delectable, and refocus your gender priorities for the year ahead. What can you personally do to shift the needle, even if its slight, that will contribute to our overall goal of women’s empowerment and equality.