Generation Equality.

The theme for International Women's Day on the 8th March 2020 was “I am Generation Equality: Realizing women's rights”.  Achieving this outcome requires women to support each other and in the words of G.D. Anderson, 2013.  “Feminism isn’t about making women stronger.  Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.  These are powerful words to contemplate every day and not just on International Women’s Day 2020.

​I pay my respect to all of the inspirational First Nations women, to elders past, present and future; this is their land, always was and always will be.  I pay my respect to women of all cultures in our wonderful multicultural communities.  I acknowledge the many talented female leaders in our local, state and federal communities.  Leadership comes from the opportunity to access education.   

Education is a key to women realising their goals and dreams.  As evidenced by the Central Asian Institute in July 2013; “educated women have a greater chance of escaping poverty, leading healthier and more productive lives, and raising the standard of living for their children, families, and communities. These and many more are some of the valuable reasons why we should all support education for girls”.

Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Hon Julia Gillard most eloquently said, “the most powerful thing in our world is the power of education.  It transforms lives and communities and nations, and eventually the whole world”.

As women we must give ourselves permission to step outside of our comfort zone to be who we truly are.  We must make decisions that are right for us.  However, making quality informed decisions requires access to a quality education. 

As women we need to support our mothers, sisters, friends and colleagues and not set boundaries or judge each other’s decisions.  We won’t let men do it, so why would we let each other do it?

The old saying “united we stand divided we fall” is so relevant if we are to stay strong and change how the world perceives our strength.  Women supporting women will conquer the world, we will fight for equal access to education, we will have an equal say in the decision-making process, we will lead big corporations, we will lead political parties and we will create stronger flourishing communities.

In doing this we will lead by example and be great role models for our younger generations so that they get every opportunity to have their strength recognised.  Whatever it is that you want to achieve - just make sure you do it – use educational opportunities wisely, value lifelong learning.  Aim high, set inspirational goals, dare to dream because you only live once so make it count.
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We make up 50.2% of the Australian population and we have the right to access a quality education regardless of where we live, our culture, sexual orientation, religion, financial or social status.  We will have our strength recognised and valued.