A Short Reflection for International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day. I didn’t want to write something negative for today, but I can’t ignore the significant challenges women are still facing.

Is it really 2026?

A date that once felt in my mind futuristic, it felt full of hope and optimism. I thought 2026 would look so different to how it looks today.

I believe it’s important today to acknowledge the struggles of women around the world, as well as celebrating them.

Violence, displacement, marginalisation, underfunded health services, the politicising of women’s bodies, systemic failures, the rise in misogyny, it goes on and on.

These are just a few examples from an endless list.

These issues impact Black and Brown women even more significantly, as well as LGBTQIA+ people and disabled people. Who carry the weight of that inequality more heavily.

Sometimes it all feels a bit hopeless.

I think of the many women who are making a difference every single day.

Some loudly, and some quietly.

Many, many women who give so much to others: fighting for the rights of others, supporting them directly, bringing vigour, passion, true kindness and empathy.

The quiet, unspoken labour of women.

The love they pour into their children. I see it in my community, my family, my friends.

I think of the women who support me.

The women who support, teach, and give love to my children.

The women I admire.

I think of the sacrifices the women in my family before me made, most done silently, without acknowledgement.

I think of the women who are not safe. I think of their children.

I think of the women who are loud, who are on the ground doing the work, pushing for change.

The quiet women.

The women doing their best, every single day.

Today I think of all women.

Today I see the greatness of women, and our struggles, and hold both equally.

Josie