Issues
International Women’s Day #EachforEqual International Women’s Day is a time for everyone, regardless of gender or gender identity, to celebrate the progress women have made towards equality and remember how much further there is to go.
paid less – particularly in non-unionised industries– unpaid parental leave in different industries, cultural barriers, and family and domestic violence.
This 2020 International Women’s Day campaign has set its sights even higher with their #EachforEqual crusade.
It’s our individual actions that can make a huge impact throughout the world to cultivate change.
Celebrated on 8 March, the year-long campaign is about celebrating women and bringing the issue of equality to the forefront of everyone’s agenda.
Let’s use the opportunity to take action, organise, unite, network and mobilise for meaningful change to achieve gender equality and human rights of all women and girls.
Each and every one of us can help to create a gender equal world – businesses, politicians, media organisations and the like can all play a part. This year’s mantra: an equal world is an enabled world, is one where economies and communities can thrive. One in which we celebrate women’s achievements, challenge stereotypes, fight against bias and broaden perceptions. There are many obstacles that remain for women and girls including being undervalued, working more and being
Everyone can take action in various ways including: using social media to promote an #EachforEqual pledge and message, hosting an event at your school or workplace, or collecting and donating to a group working for gender equality and women’s rights, such as Ishar (www.ishar.org.au), or others near you. Visit bit.ly/2SBeqJt for school resources and unwomen.org.au/internationalwomens-day/about/ for more information.
How will you help forge a more gender equal world? Some ideas, from internationalwomensday.com: I'll call it out when I see or hear gender stereotypes or bias. I'll reflect on how fair and equal my actions and comments are. I'll respect and embrace difference. I'll reflect more on how my actions are perceived. I'll boycott products where advertising stereotypes women. I'll take children or friends to women's sporting matches. I'll donate time or resources to a women's charity or initiative. I'll question and challenge all-male speaker panels. I'll mentor a woman and help her build her networks. #EachforEqual
Harmony Week 2020 Harmony Week is a chance to celebrate our vibrant multicultural state and to promote the core values of inclusiveness, respect and acceptance where everyone belongs. The state government initiative runs from 15-21 March and is an opportunity to celebrate our wealth of cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic diversity whilst recognising and breaking down barriers. 24
Western Teacher February 2020
Without our diverse community Australia wouldn’t be the prosperous nation it is today. From job creation to building new skills and networks, multiculturalism has amplified our global presence. It’s brought a plethora of cultural and linguistic gains and will continue to help shape our young people of tomorrow in a positive way.
School education is crucial for Harmony Week and is an opportunity for children to be exposed to, learn about and celebrate the variety of people and cultures that make up our communities. To access a diverse range of resources and curriculum aligned school kits for a range of subject areas and year levels, as well as ideas for school activities and events, visit bit.ly/2ObY6fO.
