Today marks International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
The #IWD2021 theme of #ChooseToChallenge promotes the fact a challenged world is an alert world, and that we are all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.
From challenge comes change, so we can all choose to challenge gender bias and inequality, choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements and, collectively, help create a more inclusive world.
This year we asked a number of women from across our organisation about the personal significance International Women’s Day holds for them.
Catherine Clark – Chief Executive Officer
Netball Queensland
I’m inspired by women with the strength and courage to break the mould. They challenge convention, have a sort of rebellious disregard for “no/not you/not now” and through their quests they somehow make the world feel bigger and more expansive for all of us. In science, medicine, leadership or sport, it takes a brave woman to be a maverick, but they break the door down for all to follow. International Women’s Day is a chance to stop and reflect on what has been achieved by the many who built the path to where we are today. The suffragettes, the rebels, the pioneers, the countless movements by unknown women who fought for conditions and opportunities that they would never benefit from. For me, I reserve IWD as a day to show gratitude for the ceilings broken, the doors opened and to assess my own efforts and actions in lifting the next generation up. My hope is that women make their own choices, question social conditioning and live an intentional life that is right for them. Self-belief and self-determination to chase their big dreams.
Chenoa Masters – Diamond Spirit and Inclusion Lead
Netball Queensland
International Women’s Day is a day that we get to stop and reflect on the intelligent, strong, loving women in our lives who have nurtured our growth – both personally and professionally. To me this year’s theme of Choose to Challenge is extremely important, as a First Nations woman working in an inclusion space it has been a journey to find a strong voice and learn to speak up and challenge biases. The most inspiring people in my life are the strong women who have raised me, my Nan, my Aunty and my Mum. My Nan being born on a mission to parents of the stolen generation and working hard to provide for her seven children whilst suffering from stolen wages. My Aunty, a woman with dyslexia who achieve a degree and now lectures at universities to educate others about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. Finally, my Mum, a woman who has provided every opportunity to her children and First Nations students at school to better their education and lives. I used to think my mum was normal, when I became a teacher, I realised how incredible she is as a mother and woman who goes above and beyond for everyone else. My hope for women in the future is that there are no barriers. There is no double guessing or hesitating on opportunities. Women have a seat at every table and the opportunities to succeed in family and a career.
Tara Hinchliffe
Queensland Firebirds Defender
IWD is an opportunity to champion women and highlight their amazing achievements. I think women are incredible because we face challenges with a humble fighting spirit, and always look to lift others up with us. So many women in my life inspire me for different reasons. My Mum, for the sacrifices she has made to raise my family and always putting us before herself. My teammates, for pushing each other to always be better with a loving heart and fiery spirit. All the women who championed netball for many many years to allow me to have this amazing experience. And everyone who is fighting for an equal, inclusive, undivided world, because it isn’t easy, but it is so worth it. I do hope all women will have the same opportunities, ambitions, rights, and feeling of belonging that everyone in this world deserves. I hope that girls don’t grow up seeing a limit to their dreams and are constantly pushed to dream bigger and aim higher!
Melissa Bennett – General Manager, Delivery Network
Netball Queensland
International Women’s Day is about recognising the important role women play in our families, communities and businesses. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and their supporters, who have and continue to advocate for our equality, respect, safety and access to education. I am always inspired by the women who are the change makers, the problem solvers, who are prepared to make the tough and often uncomfortable decisions that are in the best interests of others, and who follow their dreams. I am fortunate to have a number of women who continually support, challenge and inspire me, such as Catherine Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Netball Queensland. Her vision, leadership style, ability to translate ideas into action, and belief in people are the reason that I got involved with netball again after a long absence. I hope that young girls and women continue to have inspiring male and female role models who help them realise they have the potential to achieve whatever they want, and that our communities are safe, supportive and respectful places for all women.
Megan Anderson – Head Coach
Queensland Firebirds
While I believe women should be celebrated all the time, International Women’s Day represents a day to acknowledge and honour women that have had a positive impact on people’s lives, especially your own. My mum is my inspiration, particularly since her recent passing, I am reminded constantly of what she achieved, how she raised me and the impact she had on my life. My hope for women is that we don’t have to recognise days like these because women are treated equally, celebrated endlessly and remunerated fairly based on their role and not purely their gender.
