As International Women's Day approaches, I find myself in a reflective and somewhat conflicted state of mind. On the surface, this day is a beautiful celebration of the accomplishments and potential of women worldwide. It shines a necessary spotlight on the ongoing struggles for equality and justice that women face in all corners of the globe. However, beneath the surface lies a disheartening reality – the commercialisation and lack of inclusivity that have hijacked the essence of this day.

It saddens me to see International Women's Day being exploited by profit-driven companies, who prioritise their own agendas over the true spirit of the day. Instead of a genuine celebration of womanhood and a call for gender equity, it has become a marketing opportunity for corporations. We see brands using feminism as a trend rather than a movement, diluting its significance and co-opting its message for profit.

Moreover, as a white woman, I cannot ignore the glaring lack of diversity in many International Women's Day events. Too often, panels and discussions are dominated by voices that reflect only a small fraction of the female experience. Women of colour, LGBTQ+ women, immigrant women, and other marginalised groups are sidelined, their stories and perspectives overlooked.

I recall being part of a panel where diversity was sorely lacking. Despite being honoured to speak, I couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy knowing that our panel did not represent the rich tapestry of womanhood of my area of Melbourne. It was a missed opportunity to hear from women with vastly different life experiences and cultural backgrounds.

This realisation has led me to reconsider my involvement in International Women's Day events. I refuse to contribute to an echo chamber where only voices similar to mine are amplified. Instead, I yearn for diversity, authenticity, and inclusivity. I want to hear from women whose stories challenge my own understanding of the world, whose perspectives broaden my horizons and deepen my empathy.

Furthermore, the expectation for women to speak for free – especially on International Women's Day - is a stark reminder of the devaluation of women's labour and expertise. While men are often compensated for their time and knowledge, women are expected to be grateful for the opportunity to speak. This disparity underscores the systemic inequalities that persist in our society.

So, what can we do to reclaim International Women's Day? Firstly, we must prioritise diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its observance – from panel discussions to keynote speakers. We must amplify the voices of marginalised women and create space for their stories to be heard.

Secondly, we must recognise the value of women's labour and expertise by ensuring fair compensation for their contributions. Women's work should not be exploited or undervalued, but rather celebrated and remunerated equitably.



Finally, let us remember that the fight for gender equality extends far beyond a single day of recognition. It requires ongoing commitment and action to dismantle systems that oppress and create a more just and inclusive world.

This International Women's Day let’s embrace diversity, equity, and authenticity in real and practical ways and celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of all women.