8 people on what International Women’s Day means to them

“Celebrating IWD as a First Nations woman can embody a powerful assertion of identity, resilience, and solidarity. [It is also] a call to respect and uphold the rights and dignity of Indigenous women everywhere.”

“My first feeling when it comes to IWD is that it can sometimes feel a bit performative, what it stands for can get lost. But when I think about the micro level, when I think about the women I know and the change they bring about through their work and actions, I feel differently. IWD is an important reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the strong women in our lives. And while there is a long way to go, it is important to celebrate what women have done and what they are doing, in order to keep hope alive for the future.”

“[IWD] brings together women and gender diverse people around the world, celebrating our accomplishments and inspiring the next steps for a more peaceful, compassionate and just future.”

“For me, it means celebrating the success of women across the world but also paying respect to the strong women in our lives who have shaped and influenced us. I was raised by a single mother so from an early age I had this amazing female role model who taught me to speak up for myself… Now that I have just had my own daughter, I am aware of wanting to pass on the strong mindset my own mum instilled in me.”

“[This day] is a way to celebrate women — especially the ones in my life. My mum, a Chinese immigrant, came to Australia in the ’90s. As a woman, she endured a lot when first arriving… I admire her resilience and respect others like herself who struggled integrating into a new world. My partner, Sangeetha — who co-founded our film company — has also taught me a lot about gender equality. She actively reminds me how important it is to champion women in front of and behind the camera. There’s still a long way to go and I hope more men become allies.”

“IWD serves as a way to highlight the continued existence of [certain] injustices and is a poignant reminder of how far we are from true equality. It also offers a platform for solidarity among women and prompts those of us in privileged positions to advocate for the less fortunate.”

“IWD symbolises a collective acknowledgement of the struggles, achievements and ongoing journey towards gender equality. It celebrates the strength and contributions of women worldwide, including honouring those (often unnoticed) women who have paved the way for progress.”

“I have been reflecting a lot lately on the significance of IWD. Growing up, my father used to bring mimosa flowers home — a gesture of gallantry towards the women in the household. Back then, it held no deeper meaning beyond celebrating us. It was only later that I learned of its political and feminist origins… For this IWD, I celebrate the love I feel for life, the possibility to express myself in this world, and the freedoms and privileges I have that so many women are still fighting for.”