International Women’s Day 2025

Happy International Women’s Day 2025!

This year’s theme is "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." What do you think of in terms of women’s rights, equality and empowerment?

I grew up being told and believing girls and women can do anything they want to do. I know we are lucky enough in New Zealand for that to hold true albeit there are still issues particularly around pay parity and leadership which could be further progressed. I also know while we are fortunate to live in a country where human and women’s rights are generally respected, that is not always the case in other parts of the world.

I have just finished my two year term on the Volunteer Service Abroad Council. It has been a privilege and pleasure being of service to VSA given the amazing work they do supporting development partners in the Pacific including their focus on gender equality, disability and social inclusion. One of the best things about Council has been the extension of that focus into its governance structure which has seen a number of women coming on to Council as well as the appointment of a woman chair, the awesome young leader Dana McDiarmid.

So on IWD 2025 I hope you take a moment tp think about how you can support women’s rights and empowerment for ALL so we can make the world a better and more inclusive place.

Here is a picture of me with my Council colleagues 💖💫