International Women's Day: More powerful together

On International Women’s Day we reflect on gender equality. We note its absence, celebrate its presence and look forward to its growth.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission wishes to acknowledge the inspiring leaders, teachers, mentors and mothers of every faith and cultural background whose courage and determination have advanced gender equality.

While there have been improvements in recent decades, gender equality is still a distant reality.

Here in Victoria, history was made last week when the Gender Equality Act 2020 was passed. The future certainly looks brighter and we welcome changes to policies, services and programs across the Victorian Public Service, universities and local councils.

Now is the time for all Victorians to challenge stereotypes, fight bias and support equality in our diverse world.

Today, we recommit ourselves to celebrating and elevating the voices and visibility of women of all backgrounds.

We commit to seeking out greater alliances with First Nations, migrant and refugee women.

We commit to assisting women to speak up for issues that affect them.

We will lead and encourage conversations that are bold, courageous and unapologetic.

Alongside women everywhere, we want to see a world where respect and equality aren’t something we need to fight for anymore.

We stand united for an equal future in our diverse world, because we are more powerful together.