International Women's Day 2023
UN Women Australia’s International Women’s Day theme for 2023 is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. We bring together leaders and changemakers within the South Eveleigh community for their insights and experience on the matter.
#CrackingTheCode is based on the priority theme for the United Nations 67th Commission on the Status of Women. Inclusive innovation, technologies, transformative ideas and accessible education is vital to our journey towards gender equality as we tackle the discrimination and marginalisation of women all over the world. Find out how you can show your support for women and girls around the world this IWD here.
Sally-Ann Williams, CEO of Cicada Innovations
This year’s UN International Women’s Day theme is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. What does a gender equal future look like to you?
Cracking the code alludes to finding the patterns and systems that prevent inclusion and access in society for all underrepresented people. It’s a focus on both dismantling systems that prevent and discourage inclusion and prioritising new frameworks to drive different outcomes.
What challenges still present themselves today and how can they be dismantled?
Good intent alone will not drive the change we need to see for women and underrepresented communities. We need leaders in government, industry, and community who understand that it is not the responsibility of someone working in D&I to drive change, but it collectively rests on all our shoulders.
What changes have you made, in your personal and professional world, to disrupt the codes of systems, beliefs and behaviours that foster entrenched inequality?
We all need to take personal accountability for making changes where we can dismantle systems and process that don’t drive towards inclusive outcomes. We won’t always get it right, but we need personal commitment to drive collective change.
Siobhan Bryson, CEO of Weave Youth & Community Services
This year’s UN International Women’s Day theme is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. What does ‘Cracking the Code’ mean to you and what innovation do you think is needed to achieve a gender equal future?
For me, cracking the code means questioning and exposing systems, codes of behaviours, beliefs, expectations and barriers that serve to hold women back, devalue and disempower them. Also cracking the code of silence and smashing the shame that shuts women down and perpetuates the status quo.
What challenges still present themselves today and how can they be dismantled?
Universal free childcare and equal access to parental leave are innovations that could help level the playing field by enabling women to participate equally in the workforce. It’s also time for men to take the lead on ending violence and abuse against women.
What changes have you made, in your personal and professional world, to disrupt the codes of systems, beliefs and behaviours that foster entrenched inequality?
Always speaking out in every context against gender inequity, putting in place flexible work arrangements that support women’s engagement in the workforce, fostering career development opportunities for women, taking a strong stand against violence and abuse. Advocating for systemic change to smash the patriarchy.
Soren Trampedach, CEO & Founder of Work Club Global
This year’s UN International Women’s Day theme is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. What does a gender equal future look like to you?
It means what it says, that everyone is given equal opportunities and pay – it is not hard, it is more a cultural change that needs to happen. I grew up in Denmark so have always seen equality as a given, not something that was questioned, but a natural state of affairs. In more 'masculine' societies like Australia it takes a shift in thinking through education and leadership from public and private.
What changes have you made, in your personal and professional world, to disrupt the codes of systems, beliefs and behaviours that foster entrenched inequality?
We have always had slightly more than 50% of our workforce being female, most of our senior leaders are female. Not by choice, but by pure merit.
Hannah Ward, Teacher, Alexandria Park Community School
This year’s UN International Women’s Day theme is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. What does a gender equal future look like to you?
In a gender-equal future, men and women would be able to flourish and work together across all societal roles. We would be able to both celebrate differences and find common ground with each other to solve problems and promote positive progress.
How important is educating the future generations on gender equality and how can we achieve this?
At our best, teachers lead by example and model respectful relationship-building, empathy, and integrity. Putting the work in to build and refine our own character lays the groundwork to model positive values and attitudes to our young people.
What changes have you made, in your personal and professional world, to disrupt the codes of systems, beliefs and behaviours that foster entrenched inequality?
I hope that my students leave the education system ready to engage with and contribute to society. I try to provide opportunities and exposure to the wider community and encourage students to imagine how they might one day contribute to positive change. In my classes, I try and make sure that historical and current scientific events include women’s voices and perspectives.
Jess Cook, CEO of 107 Projects
This year’s UN International Women’s Day theme is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. What does a gender equal future look like to you?
A place where we recognise each other as human.
How important is educating the future generations on gender equality and how can we achieve this?
Education is key to unlocking ignorance and adjusting arrogance… So that we are not just accepting difference - we are embracing it. We have to invest in a broad learning environment, engaging young minds early in thinking rather than rote learning.
What changes have you made, in your personal and professional world, to disrupt the codes of systems, beliefs and behaviours that foster entrenched inequality?
Staying true to my philosophies, staying anchored to the power of community spirit… and not letting the so called ‘power’ stop positive change. Just gotta keep grounded and engaged with people… it's simple but effective.
Melati de Haas, General Manager of Work Club NSW
This year’s UN International Women’s Day theme is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. What does a gender equal future look like to you?
Where everyone feels safe and have the means to curate their own life.
How important is educating the future generations on gender equality and how can we achieve this?
It is up there. We need to keep having these conversations, to actively call out good and bad behaviours, be open and champion change even if one doesn’t identify, relate to or see the issue.
What changes have you made, in your personal and professional world, to disrupt the codes of systems, beliefs and behaviours that foster entrenched inequality?
Listening to others when they share their story of inequality and advocate with them. Championing career progression for some, spending more time when hiring as I'm aware of my biases and being as authentic as I can to enable a space where we can challenge these systems.
Let us unite and join the movement! Together we can accelerate the progress to a gender equal world. Share how you are #CrackingTheCode this year and tag @unwomenaust.
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