Why we have International Women’s Day

IF you’re visiting a small business this International Women’s Day, there’s a one-in-three chance it’s run by a woman.

Women account for around one-third of Australia’s small business owners, and that number is growing.

Across our region, whether they be running their own business or working for a business, women make an enormous contribution to our local economy and community.

Gender equality brings with it opportunities for women and men to thrive, making our economy stronger and more inclusive.

Despite it being 2025, women in Australia still face barriers which mean they work less, earn less, and retire with less.

When they take time out of work for children ‘the motherhood penalty’ kicks in.

Women are less likely to work in senior management positions and more likely to work in insecure part-time roles in jobs where the pay is less and the work is less valued.

Women experience unfathomably high rates of domestic, family and sexual violence – with more than one in two women experiencing sexual harassment in their lifetime and a quarter of women having experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

In many of these areas, women feel that the system is working against them – a feeling that can be even further compounded by economic uncertainty and cost-of-living pressures that make inequality feel even more pronounced.

That’s why we still have an International Women’s Day (IWD).

IWD has been around for over 100 years, as have many of the issues that are still impacting women’s advancement.

IWD belongs to all who care about women’s equality, celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to forge gender parity.

Since coming to government, federal Labor have laid foundations to make change.

We have already made significant investments in areas to improve the lives of women by delivering more tax relief to women and making it easier to work more, making childcare cheaper, expanding the Government’s Paid Parental Leave Scheme, investing in women’s safety and improving pay and conditions in the care economy.

The Federal Labor Government has introduced gender pay gap reporting, banned pay secrecy, and narrowed the gender wage gap to the lowest on record.

We have also created over half a million new jobs for women, and lifted wages – on average women are earning $173.80 more a week than in May 2022.

Our government is the first federal government in Australia’s history with equal numbers of women and men. We’ve brought the experiences and expertise of women to everything to ensure we are delivering for women.

When it comes to women in business, we know they still face significant barriers, including gaps in opportunities, networks, resources and investment.

No matter whether you’re just starting out in business or looking to take your existing business to the next level, there are plenty of resources available to help you get the advice and information you need.

International Women’s Day (and in the days leading up to International Women’s Day) is also an opportunity to be inspired by other women, share your own success and connect with others.

I will be attending various events across our community.

I am proud to be part of a Federal Labor Government that partners with women across our community to make change for the better. On International Women’s Day, and every day, this Government backs them.

Lisa Chesters, Member for Bendigo