Women Uplifting Women To ‘March Forward’

International Women’s Day provides a highly visible lens to spotlight women’s contributions and elevate issues, however this special day should be only part of the story.

If we are to effect real change, we need to be influencing and advocating for change as part of ‘business as usual’.

Women’s influence is everywhere in society – as parents, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, friends, teammates, and colleagues – and historically while many of these roles are informal, they should not be underestimated in the positive impact they provide for girls and women.

There is however, in my view, an added responsibility for women who hold official roles of leadership and power, to play a pivotal role in challenging the status quo and advocating for change and importantly, choice and opportunity.

The increasing presence of diverse women in formal positions of power challenges stereotypes and provides highly visible role models inspiring future generations of female leaders – at a local, regional and national level. ‘You can’t be it, if you can’t see it’. The more women in these roles blazes trails, expands options, and breaks down barriers – plus, it creates momentum for other women to follow. It reshapes public perceptions about what leadership looks like and breaks ground for a changed narrative.

It may seem unbelievable to younger generations that, for much of history, women were financially excluded, only breaking through these barriers in the 20th century. In Australia, for example, it wasn’t until the Sex Discrimination Act of 1984 that women could obtain a loan or mortgage without a male guarantor.

It’s crucial we have not only gender diversity but also more importantly that women bring diversity of thought and perspective to push for systemic change and structural reforms, as well as influence cultural change. Critically, women in power have a unique platform to draw attention to issues that may have been overlooked – whether it be in a workplace, sport or society more broadly – that not only benefit just women but also our communities generally, and effect transformation.

To move forward as a society, we need both women and men to be bold advocates in business, industry, politics, and the community. By using their influence strategically, they can create positive change with a lasting ripple effect on society as a whole.

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