A global celebration
Today is International Women’s Day – a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
A range of events across the Wimmera throughout the week have sought to celebrate the day, and draw attention to a range of societal issues that, with combined effort and support, can bring about widespread benefit for the broader community.
One of them, a panel discussion in Horsham last week, explored how living in a rural area is impacting women’s career choices and progression – leading to implications for financial security and independence.
It recognised the deeply embedded beliefs, structures and infrastructure that could be holding us back. We’ve come a long way. But when International Women’s Day alone is met with scepticism, dubiety and awkwardness; when cries of ‘what about the men’ and fierce Googling of ‘International Men’s Day’ becomes the most searched term on a day that is about recognising the contributions of women. To gendered violence and the most devastating example, when one Australian woman is killed at the hands of a current or former partner every week. We still have a long way to go.
Equity and equality are often used interchangeably but mean quite different things.
If we refer to ‘equality’, we mean that each person or group is given the same resources or opportunities; whereas ‘equity’ recognises that each person has different circumstances. It meets people where they are at, and so it provides the resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity and we embrace inclusion. Equality is the goal, and equity is the means to get there.
In terms of gender and the workplace, research, from advocates and educators at ‘Lean In’, indicates that bias – whether conscious or unconscious – contributes to women being passed over for jobs and promotions, and almost 60 percent of women regularly experience microaggressions at work.
For many women, finding meaningful support in the workplace is a major challenge.
About 20 percent of women say they are often the only woman in the room at work.
Harassment, discrimination, bias – they’re part of most induction training and policy documents at most workplaces; but what does that mean in practice, and do we truly recognise the power of our own words and our own actions.
The rise of women is not about the fall of men.
Challenging stereotypes, ensuring diverse representation, supporting inclusive mindsets and practices. It’s a whole of society issue and everyone can play their role for the benefit of future generations. To set an example. To see what you can be.
Ultimately, it’s about the power of choice. Not just for women, but for all genders; for individuals and families, workplaces and groups.
A choice that is not always their own, but it should be.