At yLead, we are privileged to work alongside many inspiring women. We share many of their stories and often the causes they choose to support. What we admire most about these women is that they advocate so passionately for positive change, and along their journey they are open to exploring ways to live the yLead value of ‘being better tomorrow than we are today’.
We are on a journey to gender equality, and as we celebrate today, it is important to celebrate how far the world has come. In 2022, change is occurring at a rapid rate, often faster than most humans can keep up with. Thank you to all who take the time to adjust their habits, words and actions as we continue to strive for equality. What has been considered acceptable in the past and is no longer considered ok to say, takes bravery to change. Correcting these actions and behaviours takes all kinds of leaders and everyday people to: act kindly curious and ask more questions, empathically apologise and to work hard to remove the fear they hold of change. It is not an easy ask.
So how can we ‘be better tomorrow than we are today’ and advocate for women in our schools, workplaces and any environment we step into? We reached out to our yLead community and got some tangible insights into things we can do… after all, leadership is ACTION!
GRACE LANGLEY | SOUTH AUSTRALIA | 2016 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
What is a tangible way you celebrate and lift women in your world?
As an Agricultural Science teacher in rural South Australia, I make a conscious effort to lift and elevate the voices of women from different backgrounds in the content I teach. By celebrating the achievements of female soil scientists, farmers and livestock experts I hope that my students can see the potential there is for careers in Agriculture.
What is an action that we could all take to help #breakthebias?
We can all make an effort to continue to question, and critically evaluate our thoughts and beliefs. Examine why that female sports presenters voice “is really annoying”, is it because of your own internalised preconceptions of women in the workplace? We can continue to break the bias by being active role models in our communities, and championing and celebrating women from different cultural backgrounds.
To align with the UN 2022 theme ‘Changing Climates – equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ – What is a way we can advocate for more women to be part of the climate change solution?
Education! I strongly believe in the power of education as a way to empower young women to be in charge of their futures and engage in career pathways that are meaningful to their communities. Engaging young women in education will lead to increased health outcomes, quality of life and better outcomes for the climate. Women can be powerful advocates for solutions to our climate emergency.
If you were to write a letter to ‘Women of the Future’ what be the most powerful sentence within that letter?
Women of the future – may you continue to excel, be brave, strive for change, and stand up for yourself and others.
Anything else you’d like to share on a day like today?
It’s important to acknowledge women of all cultural backgrounds, and those who don’t often get a platform to speak out about what matters to them.
JESSICA FAULKS | Queensland | 2019 High School Graduate
What is a tangible way you celebrate and lift women in your world?
Each year, IWD is a reminder of the collective impact there is in solidarity with other females. I am so lucky to have encountered so many women who have and still are making the world a better place. The selfless actions of women who taught me and mentored me in the pursuit of my dreams. Today and everyday I find immense power in just saying a simple ‘thank you’ to the people in my life who have shaped the person I am today, for their actions big or small have a huge impact and that is worth acknowledging.
What is an action that we could all take to help #breakthebias?
I believe there is so much power in holding space for open channels of communication. Sharing opinions and and listening to the perspectives of others provides an opportunity for wisdom and growth. Facilitating open discussions about bias and supporting all voices at all levels are ways of ensuring people are heard and understood. It is so important that we never shy away from a conversation, but rather embrace it so that we can recognise that barriers that stand in-between our society and breaking the bias for all.
To align with the UN 2022 theme ‘Changing Climates – equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ – What is a way we can advocate for more women to be part of the climate change solution?
Start the conversation with your community, family or friendship groups. The climate change solution can only be reached when each person is ready to be part of the change. It simply just starts with you taking a small action that can have a world of difference and soon others will follow in your footsteps.
If you were to write a letter to ‘Women of the Future’ what be the most powerful sentence within that letter?
Think back to the girl you used to be, now reflect on where you are now, no doubt your younger self would be proud of you. Now picture where you want to be in the future, no dream is too big and no place is out of reach, work hard, surround yourself with remarkable female mentors and never take no for an answer.
Anything else you’d like to share on a day like today?
Today is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate you, the women you have become and the women you are continuing to become each and every day. I reflect on my life thus far with so much love and gratitude for the women I have encountered on each stage of my journey, all leaving a lasting mark on my story. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to grow and flourish in a supportive, community no matter who they are. For change cannot happen unless we all come together and support one another, embrace our differences, and be the person our younger selves would be proud of.
LUCY GREGG | TASMANIA | 2015 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
What is a tangible way you celebrate and lift women in your world?
I am surrounded by incredible women. My mother and sister inspire me every day – I celebrate them by speaking highly of them and their achievements to anyone I can. I also participate in the growing league of women’s AFL, where lifting each other up is a crucial part of the game. Celebrating the wins, pushing each other to improve and maintaining our united front is a core part of our philosophy as a team.
What is an action that we could all take to help #breakthebias?
Cut the jokes about gender. They’re not funny, they’re outdated and they cause more harm than good. I don’t care if you think they’re harmless – they reinforce stereotypes that are simply inaccurate and hurtful.
To align with the UN 2022 theme ‘Changing Climates – equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ – What is a way we can advocate for more women to be part of the climate change solution?
Promote women’s voices on the issue of climate change – follow them on social media, share their posts, spread their message to others or vote for them to hold positions of leadership in parliament. If you are a woman, be unafraid to use your voice to share your perspective. You deserve to be heard.
If you were to write a letter to ‘Women of the Future’ what be the most powerful sentence within that letter?
Your capabilities are as great as you believe them to be – they have nothing to do with your gender.
HANNAH SCHILLER (Nee Donhardt) | SOUTH AUSTRALIA | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
What is a tangible way you celebrate and lift women in your world?
A tangible way that I celebrate and lift women in my world is through celebration, recognition and working together. Celebrating all the achievements, even if they’re as simple as getting through a tough day. I recognise the amazing work, we all do every single day. Collaborating at work to ensure goals are met for our students and to ensure success for all!
What is an action that we could all take to help #breakthebias?
a. Use your voices! You don’t have to be the person at the front leading the way. Your voice can be quieter from the back of the group, but please use your voice.
b. Celebrate difference – while our DNA is relatively similar, our values, goals and personalities all make us stand out from one another – what a cool thing to celebrate!
c. Be involved – join different groups at University, school or work.
To align with the UN 2022 theme ‘Changing Climates – equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ –
What is a way we can advocate for more women to be part of the climate change solution?
I think encouraging small steps that people can take to advocate. I fear that when people stop to think about climate change advocates, they think they’re not the right person for the job as they are not a person in politics, or a celebrity/influencer. Knowing that we can be advocates for climate change solutions in our own circles could encourage more people to get involved!
If you were to write a letter to ‘Women of the Future’ what be the most powerful sentence within that letter?
Do not ever underestimate your power, your grace, your wisdom. Do not hide your colours from someone who doesn’t like your favourite colour.
Anything else you’d like to share on a day like today?
I shared a post from Rupi Kaur today on my Instagram. It went like, “I stand on the sacrifices of a million women before me, thinking ‘what can I do to make this mountain taller so the women after me can see farther?'” I just love this quote. Small actions we do today will help the future generations of women be able to achieve more, to do more, to see further
LAURA THISTLEWAITE | VICTORIA | 2017 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
What is a tangible way you celebrate and lift women in your world?
In my world I try to encourage girls to step out out of their comfort zone, particularly girls in my community who play cricket. Cricket is a male dominated sport at community level and it can be often be quite a daunting environment. For that reason, I love being a part of female representative cricket in my community to work with the next generation of young women and help foster their love of the game.
What is an action that we could all take to help #breakthebias?
An action we could all take to #breakthebias is to listen. Listen with open ears and an open mind to women who’s stories can inspire, educate and help us to be the best people we can be
If you were to write a letter to ‘Women of the Future’ what be the most powerful sentence within that letter?
The most powerful thing you can do is to wholeheartedly believe in yourself and your position in the world.
PAIGE STANSFIELD | QUEENSLAND | 2017 HIGH School Graduate
What is a tangible way you celebrate and lift women in your world?
I am privileged to know and be surrounded by many strong women in business and in everyday life who support me through words of encouragement. On a day where it is dedicated to lifting the women in our world, I think it’s a great day to carve out some time to support and interact with your favourite female small business page or to send a “thinking of you” message to a mum, a sister or strong female role model in your life.
What is an action that we could all take to help #breakthebias?
I think we all have something to learn about our own unconscious bias and that we can all benefit from a mentor. Prioritising personal development, growth and transparency is an action we could all take to help #breakthebias
If you were to write a letter to ‘Women of the Future’ what be the most powerful sentence within that letter?
Seek out opportunity and revel in your success because we are all born with a voice that was never intended to stay silent.
Anything else you’d like to share on a day like today?
As a young woman, I am proud to stand beside the women before me who have and continue to pave the way in their industries as we move forward together into a gender equal world.
ANIPATENE WILLIAMS | NEW ZEALAND | 2020 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
What is a tangible way you celebrate and lift women in your world?
A tangible way I lift fellow wahine up is by a simple hug, hugging can be a use of sharing wairua & good vibes. and it obviously shows your aroha towards a person.
What is an action that we could all take to help #breakthebias?
An action we could all help to break #breakthebias is turning more towards women for a helping hand. People tend to think “oh he would know” when there might be a woman standing right in front of him. As a woman, we also need to give ourselves a little more credit, we actually hold so much power.
If you were to write a letter to ‘Women of the Future’ what be the most powerful sentence within that letter?
“You are what the world needs.”
Anything else you’d like to share on a day like today?
Women, from all corners of the globe have the power to change the world. When we think and take action with love and pride, there’s nothing in this world we can’t do.
DANIELLE REED | VICTORIA | 2020 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
What is a tangible way you celebrate and lift women in your world?
To lift up other women in my world, I aim to assure them that they are capable of achieving what anyone else can, regardless of their sex – encouraging and supporting them in a space that may not prioritise their thoughts and goals. Echoing this support within a group of friends, on social media or through actions that directly support their dreams and aspirations, are tangible actions to celebrate and applaud their achievements and existence!
What is an action that we could all take to help #breakthebias?
Continue to critically question your thoughts and actions towards women (even if you are a woman!) and be courageous in calling out any behaviour or action – big or small – that you know contributes to misogyny and discrimination.
To align with the UN 2022 theme ‘Changing Climates – equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ – What is a way we can advocate for more women to be part of the climate change solution?
I think the greatest level of power and the main avenue to create change country, or world wide, is seen within governments and parliament. So, advocating for political parties who actively prioritise women’s voices and input, just as they do for men, would allow for an equal playing field for all, in the climate change solution. As for every day, small actions – continue the fight for equality by circulating news and posts on social media and being brave enough to pull people up on their discriminative tendencies!!!!
If you were to write a letter to ‘Women of the Future’ what be the most powerful sentence within that letter?
I hope that the women of your past have created strong foundations for you today – please continue our climb to equality and be the building blocks for the women of your future!
Anything else you’d like to share on a day like today?
International women’s day is not about women vs. men, it’s about women = men… and it is something to be celebrated and worked towards, everyday.
