What is International Women’s Day – and why is it important?

International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women.

While we are fairly blessed here in Australia insofar as gender equality is concerned, progress has slowed in many places across the world. This means we need to take global action to support our fellow sisters overseas and accelerate gender parity.

Leaders across the world are pledging to take action as champions of gender parity, not only for International Women’s Day, but for every day.

IWD came about in 1908, when great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women. The oppression of women and inequality between the sexes was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change.

Then in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

Fast forward to 2017, and the theme for IWD is #BeBoldForChange.

Through purposeful collaboration, we can all help women advance and unleash the limitless potential offered to economies the world over.

All of us – men and women – have urgent work to do. Are you ready to #BeBoldForChange this IWD 2017 and beyond?

In Ipswich, we are blessed to have some truly remarkable and powerful women who are paving the way for gender parity.