International Women’s Day 2020
A blog from Deb Tsorbaris
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and a celebration of the individuals who have played a leading role.
I am excited that this year’s theme, I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights, recognises the lead role that our children and young people are playing in striving for progress.
Every day in my work, I am privileged to meet inspiring, articulate and well informed young people who have the answers, despite the barriers they have faced in life.
Young Victorians with an out-of-home care experience have often experienced immense trauma and abuse, but are taking charge of the decision-making that affects their lives.
Around the globe, children and young people have led protests and campaigns, calling on our leaders to be accountable and enact change. They are not just joining, but driving movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp.
Our young people are challenging gender stereotypes and calling for a more diverse representation of women. They want equal representation and equal pay and won’t stopping until they get it. They are demanding a voice, a seat at the table, and refusing to be silenced.
Our young men and women are the force that is bringing millions of people together from all over the world, rallying around the causes and issues that matter most, from reproductive rights to climate action. They are the agents of change behind some of the most significant reforms we’ve seen in Australia and internationally.
As a sector, we will find answers in the children and young people that we serve. Not only do they have the solutions, they are the driving force in achieving them.
This International Women’s Day, join me in standing alongside our children and young people as they lead efforts to realise women’s rights and more, for they are #GenerationEquality.
