This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. With UN Women also announcing that they want to accelerate progress by investing in women, we reached out to gender and finance experts to find out how they are inspiring inclusion
Each year on March 8, International Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to focus on how we support women and the drive towards gender equality. This year’s campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.
According to UN Women, “one of the key challenges in achieving gender equality by 2030 is an alarming lack of financing with a staggering USD 360 billion annual deficit in spending on gender-equality measures.”
So, to inspire each other and ourselves, we asked gender and finance experts to share how they Inspire Inclusion and their tips so others can do so too.
Addressing the full spectrum of taboos for women and girls
“Inspiring inclusion is a necessity for a brighter, more equitable future. To achieve full inclusion, we must address discrimination, violence, economic participation, and reproductive health taboos for women, girls, and gender diverse individuals. At The Women’s Foundation, inclusion is at the heart of our work. We bring communities together for positive change, fostering board diversity, empowering marginalised women, nurturing female STEM leaders, and engaging men for gender equality.
“Each individual should feel empowered to take action to inspire change. This can take many forms. Educating ourselves. Amplifying voices of women from diverse backgrounds. Calling out gender stereotypes and biases in everyday interactions. No matter what actions you commit to for International Women's Day, they cumulatively lead to significant shifts, making a true difference in advancing gender equality and inclusion.”
– Fiona Nott, CEO, The Women’s Foundation
Finding and using your voice
“Nearly 15 years ago, I was invited to speak about Gender Equality and women's opportunities during an International Women's Day event. In my preparations, aside from being a woman, I had no idea what advice or inspiration I could give to other women to be part of positive change. So, I focused on the successes of courageous people who were the role models in my life who made a difference in society and in the workplace. They called out discrimination and bad behaviour. That day I found my voice and became a part of this very important movement to inspire change for good.
“I am continually inspired by the work of the first female Victorian Ombudsman (Australia), Deborah Glass, the achievements of my colleagues at The Women’s Foundation and the amazing charities that help women and girls not just in Hong Kong but globally. They remind me that I must use my voice as a call to action!
“Today is International Women’s Day! Please take some time to reflect on who or what inspires you and how you can use your voice to advance gender equality and inclusion.”
– Angelina Kwan, Chair, The Women’s Foundation