With three women standing for the upcoming federal election in the seat of Richmond it is important to recognise that women in Australia only gained the opportunity to vote and the right to stand for federal election in 1902.
International Women’s Day is a celebration of this and the many other achievements women have fought for – the opportunity to work, own land, inherit their own money and assets, vote, be paid an equal wage to men, have the right NOT to be beaten by their husbands or partners – these are just some of the changes that women have achieved in recent history. Many of these things I take for granted, others, like equal pay and equal representation across all areas of the workforce, or freedom from domestic abuse we are still fighting for.
It is easy to disregard many of the achievements we have made as women, but take a moment and reflect on what it would be like not to be able earn, and keep, your own money. What would it be like to not have a voice and vote in the upcoming election. What would it be like if your husband was legally able to rape and beat you and you had no way to either leave him or stop him?
Remember the freedom to be independent, to have our own opinions, to earn our own money, may be things we take for granted today – but they are just some of the amazing achievements we as women, often supported by men, have managed to achieve. Let’s keep fighting for the rights of all women and men to be equal together.
Check out some of the amazing Northern Rivers Women in Business who celebrated International Women’s Day 2025.
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