Happy International Womens Day
What International Women’s Day means to young people at Mind and One Door
Today is International Women’s Day; a time to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, and to continue to drive change for gender equality. The theme for 2025 is March Forward, which focuses on the work to be done to create a more equitable future for women.
That’s why we invited young women who use our support services – and young women who provide them – to share what International Women’s Day means to them, and what a better future for women looks like to them. We got some great responses and wanted to share them with you.
Holly
Service user, headspace Greensborough (VIC)
“(IWD is) an opportunity to spread awareness of the ongoing sexism and ignorance that surrounds women and women’s health. It’s a day for women to show who they are and why them belonging should not be an effort, but the norm.
I’d like to see more repercussions and drawing attention to bad and sexist behaviour from bystanders and men. Call someone’s behaviour out and hold them accountable.”
Irene
Service user, Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre (NSW)
“[International Women’s Day] means acceptance and acknowledgement of the power of the feminine. I believe in equality for women but not in the context of where it takes over the identity of the masculine – I believe they each have their place and it’s about acknowledging the strength and importance of each.”
El
El is a peer family and carer practitioner at Loddon Mallee Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centre (VIC) who has lived experience as a young carer
“I’m a feminist so I love any day where we can celebrate sisterhood and women. It’s important to celebrate the achievements of women so that up-and-coming generations can feel strong, powerful, independent and inspired. It’s a chance to foster security and safety for young women too.”
“I hope for a future with improved mental health systems and violence prevention measures for both women and men.”
Sophie
Service user, Headspace Greensborough (VIC)
“International Women’s Day is a day to actively reflect on how individuals, organisations, media and government support gender equality. I’d love to see a future where there is equal media attention for femicide in comparison to youth crime, terrorism and sport-related crime.”
Ruby
Service user, headspace Greensborough (VIC)
“International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate women’s achievements over time, and to appreciate all of the inspiring women in our lives. I hope for a better future for women where women’s sports are better recognised and receive equal coverage and remuneration as men’s sport.”
Thanks to Ruby, El, Irene, Sophie and Holly for sharing their thoughts on International Women’s Day and their visions for a safer, fairer and more equitable future for women.
The Mind Australia Group wishes all the wonderful daughters, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, carers, friends and colleagues in our lives - and women everywhere - a happy International Women’s Day.