Tuesday, 8 March 2022, marked International Women’s Day. While the purpose and agenda for this day promote ideas that we should be discussing everyday, it is particularly important for those of us who work in male dominated environments, and for those of us raising and educating young men, that this day is authentically and genuinely recognized. This event calls us to look for opportunities where we can celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions made to our society by wonderful women, both in our local and global communities. It is a day where we support and advocate for other women, who perhaps have less opportunity to have their voice heard and who need increased awareness raised about the importance of equity, not equality in order for communities to really thrive and flourish. It may seem shocking that we continue to need an International Women’s Day, such a large part of me feels that by its very nature, it implies we are accepting inferiority. However, when we see that women continue to earn 23% less than men, occupy only 24% of parliamentary seats worldwide, and when one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence, its cause is justified and worthy. (International Women’s Day | United Nations)
The Treacy House students have spent tutor time in week 6 discussing some of the above statistics and contemplating ways they can in their everyday lives live out the 2022 International Women’s day motto, which was to #BreaktheBias. In smaller groups, the students researched various influential women with a focus on discovering how in their own contexts, they were / still are striving to make the world a better place for us all to thrive. Other groups researched and prepared presentations on the women’s suffrage movement, and others presented on the history and origins of International Women’s Day. Please take this opportunity to talk with your sons this week about the things they learnt last week from studying International Women’s Day. For further information that may help guide your conversations at home, please see the following links
International Women’s Day | United Nations
Women’s suffrage | National Museum of Australia (nma.gov.au)
A Brief History of International Women’s Day (thoughtco.com)
Leanne Gair
Head of Treacy House