Every year, International Women’s Day serves as a moment of reflection, celebration, and action. It’s a day to honour the progress we’ve made towards gender equality while acknowledging how much further we have to go. This year, Central Coast Council hosted a panel discussion in honour of the day, with women from within Council sharing their perspectives, experiences, and insights on what gender equality means and how we can continue pushing for change.
Why International Women’s Day Matters
For over a century, International Women’s Day has been a platform for raising awareness, celebrating achievements, and mobilising action. One speaker at the panel captured its importance perfectly:
“International Women’s Day has been going for over 100 years. It’s about fostering solidarity, having conversations about what gender equality actually means.”
“This year’s theme is ‘Accelerate Action.’ What can we be doing to make change happen faster?”
Defining Gender Equality
It’s not just about fairness—it’s about restructuring systems to ensure equity.
“Gender equality isn’t just about making space for women; it’s about creating a world where everyone has the same opportunities to thrive.”
“It’s not just about fitting women into the existing system. We need to change the system to value traits like empathy, collaboration, and introspection.”
“Gender equality is recognising that not everyone starts from the same place. It’s about equity—removing barriers so we all have a fair shot.”
The Women Who Inspire Us
When asked about inspirational women, responses ranged from global figures to personal heroes.
“Jane Goodall inspires me because she’s lived with integrity—balancing strength and humility while speaking truth to power.”
“The people who inspire me most are the ones in my own life. Women who’ve faced grief, loss, and hardship, and yet they keep going.”
“The most influential woman in my life was retired Senator Kay Denman… she was born with severe disabilities and started the Mersey Leven Family Day Care which looked after children with disabilities. It’s trailblazers like her that led us to where we are now in supporting children with disabilities.”
“Mine is actually my daughter. The way that she inspires me is how she uses her disability as a superpower every day.”
Overcoming Challenges and the Power of Resilience
Many panellists shared their experiences of overcoming barriers in politics, the workplace, and personal life.
“As a young female in council, I was often dismissed. I lost count of how many times I went home and cried after meetings, but I stayed because I wanted to change it for the next generation.”
“I grew up in a conservative environment and didn’t even recognise gender inequality at first. It was just ‘the water I swam in.’ It took time to understand its impact.”
“I sat through a workplace training on sexual harassment that was deeply triggering. But the one person who reached out afterward—even though they didn’t know what to say—made all the difference.”
Being an Ally and Taking Action
Allyship was a central theme throughout the discussion. Panellists spoke about what it means to truly support women—not just in words, but in action.
“Being an ally means speaking up in the moment, not just checking in afterward. I’ve had bosses acknowledge unfair treatment privately but never address it publicly.”
“A true ally is willing to be uncomfortable. To acknowledge they might get it wrong but to keep learning and keep trying.”
Every Step Counts
While gender equality can feel like a long fight—especially with estimates that it could take another 133 years—every action matters.
“The best thing we can do is pay attention—notice who is missing from the conversation, who isn’t being heard, and make space for them.”
“Every single comment, question, and moment of standing up and speaking up can bring down that 133-year gap to gender equality.”
As we move forward, let’s keep pushing for change—one conversation, one action, and one step at a time.
