As I sat watching my girls play last night, on the eve of International Women’s Day, I couldn’t help but wonder whether our world would be in a better place when they would reach adulthood.

I’ve read many posts this week about women supporting women, men supporting women, society valuing women, celebrating women’s contributions – and yet I do wonder why this advocation slowly disappears once March ends?

The challenges women face navigating daily life is exhausting. When you add to this the challenges faced within the workplace and in systems which claim to recognise equality, diversity and inclusion – but don’t truly reflect this – it’s shouldn’t come as a surprise that the motivation and desire to progress disappears.

I am currently pursuing a PhD in how women navigate the pathway to Higher Education leadership, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, and both the literature and statistical data evidence systems that fall short of providing the right support for career advancement.

And the most challenging part of this research has been the number of times I’ve read case studies and examples of marginalisation, discrimination and racism that have unlocked my own memories of similar experiences.

The 2026 IWD theme is Give to Gain and it encourages people, organisations and communities to “…give generously, through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time…” and contribute to women’s advancement.

So maybe all hope isn’t lost – and if we, as individuals and as a society, support even one person’s development and progression each year, this world could be a different place by the time the next generation enter adulthood.

This is what I understood

This is what I understood 

When God created me a woman

I was allowed my independence

And a right to education

I could choose to get married

And raise the next generation

I had a place in the workforce

And wouldn’t be dismissed for promotion 

There’d be power in my voice 

And for change I could take action

💜

But no matter where I go 

Or stay in which country

I’m abused for my choices

And targeted by many 

I can’t walk alone in the streets

Or even dress as I please 

I don’t have equal pay

Or the same opportunity 

And they’ve added to the problem

By choosing to ignore me

💜

I’m judged for being covered

Or if I choose not to be 

There’s no value for my faith 

Or acknowledgment of my identity

No acceptance of my choices

Or freedom to be who I want to be 

I’m dismissed in conversations

Because of the labels they put on me

There’s no compulsion in religion

So why is there in society?

💜

So I hope you understand

As you grow into a woman

There is value in your choice

And strength in your conviction

There is power in your voice

Even in a broken system

There is support when you stand

Against discrimination

And as communities we’ll build

New systems on inclusion

💜

This is what I understood

When God created us

We’re all responsible for change

And building a world that is just!