My love-hate relationship with International Women’s Day.

March 8th is the day that International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world. In fact, IWD is an official holiday in 28 countries. A tradition that was started in 1908.
I’m all for traditions and respecting our origins in this vital movement, and we celebrate every year.
But this year I have mixed feelings about IWD. Each year as we shine a spotlight on the issues that affect women. I notice that the change is glacial. That the importance of the message is slowly being diluted. The vigorous focus and action’s required for progress need to be a focus every day, not just for a week every March. Among a minefield of stats and data my hate rears for example when I learn that If present trends continue, 142 million girls around the world will be married before the age of 18 by 2020, according to United Nations Population Fund.

Positive Change
I know I need to stay positive and focused and in my research in preparation for this week. I was delighted to discover that Westpac has achieved its goal of gender balance in leadership roles. To find out more

to read the article. Editor and journalist for Women’s Agenda, Georgina Dent writes; “In 2010 Westpac’s then-chief executive Gail Kelly publicly committed to reaching 40% women in leadership by the year 2014, a target it met in 2012. The bank then aimed for 50% by 2017.
It hasn’t happened quickly or by chance. It has happened because targets were set, enforced and pursued. Doggedly. It was considered a core business objective, embedded in corporate strategy and had the full support and commitment from the board and executive.”
Wow. To me, this was an ambitious and fantastic goal. It has been achieved in a few short years. Imagine what could be accomplished when organisations are fully committed to the cause.

Today I had the privilege of hosting the satellite stream event at the Joan Sutherland theatre for the All About Women festival, directly from the Opera House. We talked about the age of Trump and the #MeToo movement. Tarana Burke, the founder of #MeToo, was inspiring as she reminded us to be focussed on helping survivors of abuse. To provide resources and support for survivors to heal. We don’t want the movement to be another flash in the pan hashtag that disappears into the ether. We must now focus on actions and support, to be ambassadors for women who have bravely spoken out.
So whatever you might be doing this week. Squeeze the hand, smile or hug your fellow women. We can achieve so much more together, and my goal is to be consistent in that belief.
Love and hugs
Andy xxx