International Women’s Day calls for a better balance

International Women’s Day (IWD) 2019 will fall on Friday 8 March, with this year’s campaign theme of #BalanceforBetter being of particular relevance for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, as educators call for greater recognition of the complexity of their roles, and a pay rate which reflects this.

 

The 2019 IWD campaign recalls the words of feminist, journalist and activist Gloria Steinem: “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

 

The Australian Education Union (AEU) have encouraged educators to use IWD as an opportunity to educate and inspire children about the role of women in society. “Education about gender equality is a grassroots step towards a more tolerant society” a spokesperson said.

 

A range of resources have been made available to support school aged children, with additional options for early years available here.

 

Discussions about IWD for school aged children might include raising awareness of gender equality, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the achievements of women.

 

Further educator resources, including printable fact sheets, videos and resource packs for children aged five to 12, are available here.

 

Children are also encouraged to enter the IWD 2019 photo competition, or submit videos in support of IWD.

 

A series of events have been planned across Australia in acknowledgement of IWD, with a list of community events available here.