What International Women’s Day means to me

by Karen Adamedes

I can’t let this week go by without acknowledging International Women’s Day on Thursday March 8.

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres is quoted on the United Nations website saying “Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is the unfinished business of our time, and the greatest human rights challenge in our world.” There is a fair bit of unfinished business going on across the world so this is a big call!

The theme of UN Women in Australia in 2018 is ‘Leave No Woman Behind’ and says ‘together we can empower women across the globe’. A sentiment also shared on the International Women’s Day site which declares “International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.” and that “Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific.​ Make IWD your day! – everyday!”

So I am making it my day and share with you what it means to me…

Possibilities. 

Because of those women who have come before me (and the men who supported them) and fought the good fight – I can vote, receive equal pay for equal work (as long as I negotiate well enough – but that is another story), have property rights and many other entitlements which are the norm in 2018 in many developed nations. Unfortunately the progress towards these in many parts of the world continues.

One of my beautiful goddaughters was born on International Women’s Day in 2000. The turn of the new century. I like to think that she has unlimited possibilities and opportunities in front of her. This week she turns 18 and many of the possibilities that are available to her are because of the work that has been done to level the playing field for women in the past. Let’s ensure that we continue to empower so we do leave ‘no woman behind’.

Choice.

Women now have choices about the lives they live. Sometimes it doesn’t feel that way but you don’t have to look very far back in history to see how much our choices have expanded.

In World War 2 (before my time, might I add!) it was a job in the factories or in the service to support the war effort, in the 1950’s (still before my time!) it was back to the housework so that the men could have the jobs.

Women’s Lib., Feminism, Education, Fairness – whatever you want to call it – the evolvement of our society means I, we, have many choices available.

Effort.

The changes in society towards the rights, education and opportunities for women have come about due to significant efforts of many – both women and men. Some of those that made the efforts did not necessarily personally reap all the rewards for their efforts. But we have.

A quick look back at the history of International Women’s Day shows the major achievements that have been achieved. The issues now and in the future for women are different than the past, but a look back at history tells me that if we work together – this effort also will be successful.

Unfortunately though not enough has been achieved globally and we are seeing with the #MeToo movement that there are many areas where progress is still to be made. Let’s leave no woman behind!

Pride.

That I am doing my little bit with practical career skills education. It might not be world changing but it can be transformational for an individual (I hope!).

Thanks.

That I have and have had many role models, mentors, colleagues, friends and family who guide and support me.

Acknowledgment.

That not all women have achieved basic rights and freedoms. And that not all of those who still have to fight for these and other opportunities are women. Indeed there are many people, who for many reasons need our support for change.

And International Women’s Day is for everyone. Equality is for everyone.

Celebration.

Of the achievements that have been made by women over the last 109 years (since the first IWD in 1909 – although the first International Women’s Day wasn’t held on March 8 until 1910 if you want to be technically correct) – the advancement of women is the advancement of all of society.

Speaking of celebration, Happy 18th to the aforementioned goddaughter! And Happy International Women’s Day to all!

 

Karen Adamedes is the CEO and founder of Career Tips To Go and author of ‘Hot Tips for Career Chicks’. She likes figuring out stuff that’s not working as well as it could or should. And then working out what to do about it.

 

By Karen Adamedes on March 4, 2018   /   Career Skills   /   1 Comment