Happy International Women's Day, by Ivana

By Ivana 

Hello everyone, my name is Ivana and I am honoured to speak to you today, in my own words, about the significance of International Women's Day. 

International Women's Day is more than just a day to celebrate or recognize women's contributions to society. As a proud woman of colour, I believe it's a day to celebrate how far ALL women have come and a reminder that women's achievements and empowerment should not be tokenized and appreciated only on March 8th, but every single day. We must show our support not just through words but through concrete actions that promote equity and empowerment for women. The intersectional approach to feminism recognizes that women's experiences are not homogenous, and that women face different forms of discrimination and oppression based on their race, ethnicity, class, religion, and other factors. Therefore, we must be mindful of these differences and work towards inclusive solutions that address the needs of all women. When we say "women," we mean ALL women, acknowledging that not all women experience the same walks of life.

I urge you to take a moment to reflect on the powerful women in your life who have helped you become the person you are today. I'm grateful to have many powerful women in my life who empower me to be the best version of myself, including my mother, sister, mentor, friends, and many teachers in this hall. We should all take the time, regardless of the date, to appreciate and acknowledge the women in our lives. 

The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about why equal opportunities aren't enough. True inclusion and belonging require equitable action, recognising that women's experiences are shaped by multiple factors such as race, ethnicity, class, and religion. We need to take these factors into account when promoting gender equity.International Women's Day is a time to celebrate women's achievements, but also a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality. We must continue to work towards a future where all women have equal access to opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

Women have made countless contributions every day for centuries, yet they often go unrecognised and uncompensated. From stepping up in manufacturing and agricultural positions during WWI to fighting for their fundamental rights in places like Iran and America, where women have been at the forefront of social and political change.

In conclusion, I want to leave you with a powerful quote from Maya Angelou, a powerful Black woman who played a fundamental role in the campaign for Civil Rights in the USA in the 1960s. "Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women." So let's all stand up for each other, support each other, and work towards a more equitable future for all women. 

Thank you.

PS: You go, little girl! Proud of you! Mum