Accelerating Action: International Women’s Day 2025

March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for accelerating gender equality. This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, underscores the urgency of breaking down systemic barriers and creating a more inclusive future.

At the current rate of progress, full gender parity won’t be achieved until 2158 - over five generations from now - according to the World Economic Forum. That’s why we must take swift, decisive steps to challenge biases, close opportunity gaps and ensure that women everywhere have equal access to success in both personal and professional spheres.

Celebrating Women in Our Community

At Job Skills Network and Jobs in Central Queensland, we are committed to fostering workplaces where talent, dedication and potential define opportunities - not gender. We are proud to support women in our industry and beyond, empowering them to excel and lead.

Here’s what International Women’s Day means to the women in our team:

Wendy Hannan, Regional Manager

"International Women’s Day is a call to action. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women across all industries while also acknowledging the challenges that remain. As a recruiter and a leader, I am committed to championing gender equality, advocating for inclusive workplaces, and ensuring that the next generation enters a workforce where opportunities are not defined by gender but by talent, dedication, and potential. Let’s continue working together to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Samantha Codrington, Community Engagement Specialist

"International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and dedication of women across all walks of life. The 2025 theme, Accelerate Action, encourages us to not only recognise women's contributions but also drive meaningful change towards gender equality. Women continuously balance careers, family responsibilities, and community roles — often overcoming significant challenges along the way. Their unwavering strength and passion inspire positive change every day.

To every woman — as a mother, sister, daughter, friend, and colleague — thank you for your tireless efforts and invaluable impact on our communities. Today, we honour your dedication and commit to accelerating action towards a more inclusive future."

Aisla Connolly, Talent Advisor

"I like to be inclusive and mostly don't support one-gender-only events as the other is missing out, however, when it comes to wage parity, women must stand together to fight for equal rights. I appreciate the female mentors in my life who have taught me so much about what is right. This International Women’s Day, call out any inequality you know of, to make the future world of work fairer."

Noha Fakhry, Quality & Administration Specialist

"International Women’s Day is an important day; it’s the day to show respect and appreciation for all women. The strength of women lies in their ability to assume responsibilities and build communities. In addition to their great roles as mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends, they also contribute to society through the development of the economy, education, politics, and the environment throughout the ages. They play a vital role in building future generations and transmitting values and culture. To every woman, thank you for your great efforts and sacrifices you make in your social and professional life. Always use your wisdom to light the path ahead of you and achieve your dreams."

Ash Phillips, Brand & Marketing Specialist

“International Women's Day is a powerful reminder to celebrate and uplift the women in our lives, our workplaces and our communities. I am endlessly grateful for the strength, wisdom and support of the incredible women around me - they inspire me every day. I wouldn't be the person I am today without these ladies. This year's theme, Accelerate Action, encourages us to push for meaningful change. Let’s aim for a future where equality isn’t just a goal, but a reality for everyone.”

How You Can Take Action

International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration - it’s an opportunity to take meaningful steps toward equality. Here’s how you can help #AccelerateAction:

• Champion Inclusion: Support and uplift women in your workplace and community.

• Advocate for Change: Speak up about gender inequality and push for systemic improvements.

• Invest in Women’s Success: Provide mentorship, training, and opportunities for women to thrive.

• Recognise and Celebrate Women’s Achievements: Acknowledge the contributions of women in all aspects of life.

Together, we can drive real change and speed up the rate of progress worldwide. Let’s act today for a fairer, more inclusive future.

Learn more about International Women’s Day and how you can get involved at www.internationalwomensday.com