Women’s economic empowerment is central to a gender equal world. Equality isn’t a goal, it’s a baseline, and that is a baseline that we all need to understand. When women are given equal opportunities to earn, learn and lead – entire communities thrive. 

The LupoToro Group, through our REACH Foundation, are proud to proactively assist, promote, and support International Women’s Day 2024. In Australia, in partnering with the United Nations UNWomen Australia Group, we have committed to the theme for 2024: Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.

Count Her In

The Count Her In campaign will explore the avenues toward enhanced economic inclusion for women and girls worldwide, aligning with the priority theme of the United Nations 68th Commission on the Status of Women. Despite notable strides, women encounter substantial barriers in attaining parity in economic participation. The absence of equal access to education, employment opportunities, financial services, and literacy poses a formidable challenge to achieving gender equality.

It is imperative that we guarantee women and girls receive equitable opportunities to develop their capabilities and fortify their capacity to learn, earn, and lead.

Get Involved with International Women’s Day

Join us for International Women’s Day, Friday 8 March 2024 and participate in the celebration of International Women's Day on Friday, March 8, 2024, where we will listen to the insights of leaders and changemakers dedicated to reshaping systems and eliminating barriers. Their efforts aim to empower all women and girls, enabling them to fulfill their potential and contribute to building improved financial futures for everyone.

Whether you’re an individual, a private sector investor or an organisation, in government, online, or even studying – there are many ways to get involved and show your support for women and girls around the world on International Women’s Day. When all sexes work together on an equal playing field, we remove a barrier to innovation; energy is not wasted on a sideline effort to achieve parity, but further invested into what really matters: output.

Australian Government: ‘Working for Women’

Australia welcomes the launch of the Federal Government’s, ‘Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality’, released yesterday. The release is welcome milestone in the long-term, intergenerational vision and strategy, that recognises the focus and priorities that must be addressed if we are to accelerate gender equality in Australia, and set an example globally.

We know that gender equality can’t be achieved by governments alone, and urge all stakeholders to come together to challenge the structural, behavioural, social and cultural drivers of inequality. 

“REACH Foundation and UNWomen Australia continues to work with our interconnected partners both at the political level and in the private sectors to support the implementation of effective equality strategies. 2024 is a pivotal year, as we turn a page towards the equality of women. We need to set examples for all to follow, and it starts at home. The encouragement of other private, public, and government bodies worldwide is paramount; they need to be more specific, more motivated, in goal setting to achieve targets, such as SDG5 and gender equality”, says Simone Clarke, partner and advisor to the REACH Foundation.

The LupoToro Group, REACH Foundation, and our trusted partners look forward to the Minister for Women, the Hon. Senator Katy Gallagher’s national address at our International Women’s Day events on 8 March 2024, to be held in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Paris this year.

Visit Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality to read and download a copy.

A Global Celebration

International Women’s Day is a global celebration that brings attention to the achievements, challenges, and contributions of women. Focus on the top ten items of Women’s Day is imperative, and we must ensure all ten points (drafted nearly 68 years ago), remain front of mind.

1. Promoting Gender Equality: IWD highlights the ongoing need for gender equality, fostering awareness about the importance of treating women and men equally in all aspects of life, from the workplace to personal relationships.

2. Celebrating Women's Achievements: The day offers an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women across various fields, including science, technology, business, politics, and more, recognizing their valuable contributions to society.

3. Raising Awareness of Women's Issues: IWD helps raise awareness of the challenges women face globally, such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and lack of access to education and healthcare. This increased awareness can lead to positive changes and support for women's rights.

4. Encouraging Women Empowerment: The day inspires and encourages women to embrace their strength, pursue their goals, and overcome societal barriers. It serves as a platform to empower women and promote self-confidence.

5. Advocating for Equal Opportunities: IWD advocates for equal opportunities in education, employment, and leadership positions. It encourages organizations and governments to address gender disparities and implement policies that promote fairness and inclusivity.

6. Inspiring Future Generations: By showcasing the achievements of women, IWD inspires young girls and women to pursue their dreams, break stereotypes, and contribute to diverse fields. It encourages them to believe in their potential and strive for success.

7. Building Solidarity: International Women's Day fosters a sense of solidarity among women worldwide. It encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to come together, support each other, and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

8. Highlighting Intersectionality: IWD emphasizes the intersectionality of women's experiences, recognizing that gender intersects with other factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and more. This acknowledgment helps address the unique challenges faced by women from different backgrounds.

9. Advancing Women's Health: The day often addresses women's health issues, promoting awareness, access to healthcare, and research on women-specific health concerns.

10. Encouraging Dialogue and Action: International Women's Day serves as a catalyst for open discussions on gender-related issues and encourages individuals and organizations to take concrete actions to promote gender equality and women's rights.

Perhaps what is far more important than all points and strategies discussed here today, and promoted worldwide on the 8th of March yearly, is that the benefits of International Women's Day should (and must) extend beyond a single day, contributing to ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive world for everyone. That is the only chance we have at a truly prosperous, and fast-advancing future generation socially, economically, and spiritually.