By Imogen Abbott and Amari Leiva-Urzua
Since 1975, March 8 has been a day dedicated towards recognising, empowering, and advocating the achievements of women across the globe.
This year, International Women’s Day (IWD) has taken on the mission to “Inspire Inclusion”, elevating marginalised female perspectives and promoting the importance of diversity in female communities and leadership positions.
So don’t miss out, here are five things you can do to support women around the world.
1. If you want to be powerful, educate yourself
Like so many things in life, the first step in supporting a cause is educating yourself on what it represents.
Visit the International Women’s Day organisation website to learn more about what the day means, the organisation’s missions, the individual experiences of women both in the past and present, and on how you can get involved.
We also encourage further reading.
2. Start a conversation to spread the word
Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool for organisations and social issues, creating awareness and change.
Around March 8, talk to your mates about the day. It could be as simple as a “happy International Women’s Day!”, to a more in-depth conversation of you sharing your newfound information to enhance others’ knowledge.
You might even want to host an IWD event for your circle.
To find resources for this, such as posters, activity sheets and so much more, go to the IWD Website.
3. Social media
IWD is encouraging you to use platforms to “encourage and mobilise communities to show support for IWD and raise awareness about women’s equality”.
This year, IWD is spreading #IWD2024 and #InspireInclusion.
On March 8, post a selfie with an IWD selfie card, found in the toolkit, or any other information about the day with the hashtags.
4. TAFE has you covered
Baulkham Hills TAFE campus is holding an EmpowerHer: Celebrating Women’s Day event (March 15, 10am-12pm) which will feature empowering stories and achievements of women from diverse backgrounds. Make sure not to miss out.
Unable to make it?
TAFE Online is offering a free Women in Business webinar on March 13 (12pm -1pm).
Exploring the theme Overcoming Adversity in Business, former TV news reporter and producer Liz Nable and executive director of a medico-legal business, Antoinette Colbran, will lead the presentation.
5. Want to take an extra step? Join one of the many events across Sydney
From breakfasts to talk shows, radical discussions, fashion shows and cocktails, look at what’s happening around Sydney this IWD.
Attend the International Women’s Day Breakfast in the Tea Room of the Queen Victoria Building (March 8, 7.15am). This year, the breakfast will feature activist Heba Al-Adawy, who has helped women war survivors from Bosnia, and actively spoken up against social justice and climate change issues.
For $30, take a friend and visit the All about Women talkfest at the Sydney Opera House (March 10) . This year it will feature renowned women such as Grace Tame, Indigenous female leader Tanya Hosch, satirical author of Yellowface Rebecca F. Kuang, TikTok feminist icon Mary Beard, and many more.
From romance to comedy, satire to gossip and popular culture, this will be an unmissable event.
If none of this is your cup of tea, head to the IWD website to see the extensive list of the other events you can attend to show your support.
Featured image: International Women’s Day 2024, themed “Inspire Inclusion” Photo: IWD
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