Break The Bias

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the theme is #BreakTheBias. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

There are so many International Women’s Day events held all over the world – lunches, dinners, breakfasts, special events where women join together to celebrate everything special about being a woman. It’s not just about women in the workplace but women in society. Some of the missions that are being worked on right now all over the world are things like

• Building workplaces where women thrive
• Improving equality for women in tech
• Celebrating women forging change
• Empowering women’s choices in health

There are some amazing websites where we can hear from women sharing their stories, their expertise in all aspects of social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Head over to www.internationalwomensday.com to read some inspiring stories.

For me, working in a predominantly male industry of finance I actually feel supported and heard by the organisation I work through. Liberty Network Services takes every opportunity to share our successes, recognise the advances made by women and the difference that we make with and for our clients. It is a very rewarding occupation, working as a mortgage broker and I am so pleased that I entered this profession just 6 ½ years ago. Teaching women about financial literacy is something that I am extremely passionate about and hence was the reason that I started Bounce Back. Having the power to make your own decisions with financial stability and security can be the very thing that gives you the freedom and flexibility to make choices in other areas of your life.

Did you know that women earn 23% less than men globally? That women occupy only 24% of parliamentary seats worldwide? That 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence?  Making financial independence a priority for women, given that the statistics are that women, or single women, are most likely to end up in poverty in later life. As women make up more than two thirds of primary carers and 81% of one parent families are headed by women, is it any wonder that women have an average of 52.8% less superannuation at retirement than men.

This is why I run workshops for women teaching them about financial literacy, gaining confidence in managing their own money. We have the power to change our situation and improve our lives and the lives of others.

International Women’s Day has been celebrated for over a century now – its roots were found in the labour movement with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Take the time to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.