Imagine a gender equal world. 

A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. 

I believe that together we can forge gender equality. This week the gender pay gap results for Australia were published, showing that on this International Women’s Day, there is still much to do.

For every $1 on average a man makes, women earn 78c. Over the course of a year, that difference adds up to $28,425.  

How is this still happening?

There is also much to do because of the political situation in the world. As anything to do with diversity, inclusion and gender is eradicated in the US under Trump, here at home Peter Dutton the leader of the opposition chose to launch a Trumpian plan to crack down on Work From Home for public servants.
 
Despite all evidence suggesting otherwise, Dutton claimed it won’t “discriminate on the basis of gender”, and even had the audacity to suggest women can simply take up job sharing arrangements if returning to the office doesn’t suit them. 
 
Make no mistake, the plan is a direct attack on women’s workforce participation and shows a complete misunderstanding of how modern families manage their lives.

This International Women’s Day we are being asked to #AccelerateAction. That means we need to keep taking action by calling out gender bias and discrimination. 

I also suggest that women take a moment to reflect on their own achievements. Remember what we have accomplished, despite the odds we have faced… and are still facing. For me that means celebrating having worked successfully as a journalist for many years and leading major companies in Australia and Asia in corporate affairs and investor relations. I have also written three books and finished my PhD later in life. Alongside these achievements, I am very proud to have given back to the community through my work on not-for-profit boards and by helping refugees and asylum seekers. I hope I inspired a few people along the way.

Many women (and men) inspired me through my life. This is especially true for Anne Forrest with whom I worked for over ten years in Asia.  Anne didn’t just break the glass ceiling she smashed it, showing me and other women that it was all about the best person for the job, not about gender. You can read about her here. 

This International Women’s Day I urge you to reach out to those women who have inspired you. We don’t say “thanks – you made a difference in my life” often enough.