Women are making their mark

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable women who shape our communities, businesses, and governments—women who lead, innovate, and inspire.

Here in Victoria, women from diverse industries and backgrounds come together to drive change, challenge barriers, and champion a future where gender equality is not an aspiration but a reality.  

For too long, women’s contributions—both paid and unpaid—have gone unrecognised. Yet, every day, women demonstrate extraordinary leadership, forging a brighter path for future generations. In boardrooms, in parliament, and across every sector of society, women are making their mark. Their voices, their stories, and their achievements matter.

In Victoria’s Parliament, we have seen firsthand the power of diverse leadership. For the first time in our history, parliament is split 50/50.  This is a stark contrast to when I was first elected in 2010, where only 28.13% across both houses were women. 

This shift is not just symbolic—it directly influences the policy issues considered and the solutions proposed. 

Representation matters, and when women are in the room—and indeed, at the table—outcomes improve for everyone.

Gender equality is not just about leadership—it is about fairness, dignity, and opportunity. 

That is why Victoria continues to lead the way with transformative policies. 

Led by Premier Jacinta Allan, our government has delivered life-changing initiatives and policies that are supporting women and helping level the playing field.

Our achievements include landmark early learning reform, benefiting more than 140,000 children and their families with Free Kinder and supporting women get back into the workforce or study. 

We have made great strides in women’s health. Funding from the Victorian Budget 2023/24 built on our work to close the gender pain gap. Women’s Health Loddon Mallee shared in $18 million to deliver initiatives focused on sexual and reproductive health, chronic illness and reducing the impact of family violence on women and the health system.

The Mobile Women’s Health Clinic van has hit the road, making free healthcare more accessible for women and girls in rural and regional Victoria.

And just recently, we announced that we will deliver a statewide, free virtual women’s health clinic – making it easier for Victorian women to access services like endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrual health, cervical screening, menopause care, breast health care and abortion. The service is so vital – barriers and delays in accessing care can have detrimental impacts on a woman’s health, their quality of life and the ability to participate in school and employment.

We have also improved women’s access to education and skills training through Free TAFE, introduced free pads and tampons in schools and public places, improved sport participation and leadership, and so much more.   

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, March Forward for ALL Women and Girls, reminds us that progress must be inclusive, bold, and sustained. 

Now, more than ever, we must accelerate action and build a future where every woman and girl can thrive. 

Let us march forward together—towards a world that is truly equal, just, and full of opportunity for all.

The Hon Maree Edwards MP

Member for Bendigo West

Speaker – Legisltaive Assembly