What International Women’s Day means to me
As a woman growing up in the 80s and 90s, I was oblivious to gender bias, to the battles that females before me had faced. I had no appreciation of the internal bravery and fortitude they demonstrated, the frustration and anger they had to deal with - both theirs and that aimed at them.
My reality was privileged and protected and I didn’t really think too much of it. I was told I could achieve what I wanted. A white girl from middle class society, living in Australia – I know was privileged. I still am.
Moving through the corporate ranks through the 2000s, I worked hard - really hard, and I earnt everything I achieved the hard way. My strategy was to work hard, get on with it and don’t whinge – and that’s what I did. I had to prove myself constantly. I don’t really remember thinking too much about it, other than I had to work harder than others. But I was determined, so I just got on with it.
I remember the greatest insult someone could aim at me was to tell me that I was a token female – that I was there not because I deserved it, but because there was a quota, a political agenda. As a result, I was anti quotas. This wasn’t because I didn’t think things needed to be done differently - of course they did, the system was broken. But introducing quotas without changing the system and the thinking around it was interpreted as females didn’t earn their place. As a result, nothing changed.
For a long time, I had conflicting views over my role as a successful woman in the business world. It was career suicide to be seen as having a bias towards females; it meant a lack of objectivity. So, I probably went the other way. I never wanted anyone to say that a woman hadn’t earnt their success because of gender. I wanted each individual to be successful on their own merit.
For me personally, trying to get the balance right between celebrating women and vocally advocating for women has been challenging. I was so busy trying to be equal and balanced that I fell into the trap of believing that society is fair.
Now, as I enter my midlife and watch my own daughter grow up in a world and society that has not changed enough, I know my stance has been faulty.
Instead of silently advocating for all those women, I should have been shouting it from the treetops, because the society we live in doesn’t do this. This is not equity.
We politely play by the rules of silent struggle, that every woman needs to battle her own way, on her own, through the gender bias that is rampant in our society.
So, I say, no more. I say equity for all. To do this we need to change the rules - we need to do things differently.
International Women’s Day is a celebration. A celebration of all women across the world, for the battles, the challenges, the extraordinary achievements, the daily grind, the magnificence they bring to the world.
A celebration of their nurturing and kindness, their feats and achievements. For what they have endured and conquered, and where they have shone the light for others to follow, the big and the small.
Not just women with a high profile - the stories that are well known, but the everyday women who get up and do their best, a hero in their own lives. I celebrate these women because they are inspiring, and I admire them.
I will not take anything away from the feats and achievements of men. There are so many, and they too are inspiring. However, as a society, we promote and recognise our men, and celebrate their successes. Equity, on the other hand, is celebrating and honouring all people for their achievements, regardless of gender.
I now know my role – to advocate for all people and bring awareness, celebrate and champion women. To cheer them on as they change the world, little by little, to a time where there is equity for all. If I can make their journey easier, then I will try.
I invite you to do the same. Find someone who inspires you, whose bravery you admire, and tell them, either publicly or privately. Let them know the difference they have made in your life.
International Women’s Day
#ChooseToChallenge