International Women's Day; Break the Bias

I think it is important to recognise the significance of women in the world and how our continued fight to be treated equally brings out the best in each other. I feel incredibly privileged, writing this, thinking about the amazing women I have had as mentors, friends, teammates, and coaches, who are breaking down long held stereotypes to help improve and change the narrative for women, particularly in the sporting world. Whether they realise it or not, they’re inspiring to so many, to push through society’s outdated opinion, pioneers for those to come.

I am so lucky to be part of a generation not content with sitting back and waiting, who are standing up to the misogynists and banging down the door for respect and opportunity.

Unfortunately, these issues are ingrained in every facet of society, the office, home, politics and in acts of violence. Greater education needs to be provided to ensure this doesn’t continue. We can no longer accept the disgusting way in which women get treated. Being labelled all sorts of horrible things because the generations before never put a stop to the crude comment’s men feel they have the right to say, objectifying women, for no reason other than because we are not men.

Driven, ambitious women are often labelled selfish, bossy or just crazy; and yet when a male has high goals he is praised and celebrated for chasing growth?? Thankfully that hasn’t stopped amazing women like Ellyse Perry, Julia Gillard or Grace Tame, from speaking out and pursuing their goals, while ensuring women have a voice. But this is just a small snippet of the struggle for equality we face, and that’s before we have even spoken a word. The mental toll, working in a male dominated industry takes, the emotions hidden, out of fear of being seen as ‘another over emotional woman’, should not be the case, together, we can all work together for better and more productive workplaces and communities.

Hopefully the days of questioning why would women play contact sports, why are we lifting weights, the sense of insecurity when presenting in front of a group, the internal fear of being judged only on your appearance rather than your skill set or being marginalised or belittled because “that’s a man job”, are nearly over.

The culture change from “boys will be boys” to upholding and demonstrating a level of respect for ALL, in all facets of life, is exciting but is far from being the ‘norm’. But by continuing to share and celebrate the feats of all women and stand up to misogyny, we can create an equal playing field! We can all create change, break the bias in our society, together!

Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow!