International Women's Day reflections

International Women's Day is a reminder to reflect on everything we have achieved and the road still to be travelled.

In 1989 women earned $0.59cents for $1.00 men earned!
Women today will finish up with 50% less superannuation or retirement savings (on average).
Women today still only represent 4 percent of board positions in some industries and less than 30% of senior positions in most organisations

This is not because we are not smart, not as experienced or not as good as leaders.  It is because we have a voice in our heads that makes us question our ability. It is because of the unconscious bias that still exists. It is because we step out of the workforce to have and raise our families. It is because we question whether we have the experience and skills to do a job.  It is because if we only have 90 percent of the required skills we tell ourselves that we can't or shouldn't do it.  We have that voice in our head that tells us we are a fake and someone will expose us for what we really are!

But what we really are is:

Smart, funny, caring, nurturing, creative individuals that show up every day in whatever life we live.  We get to decide how we use our talent and gift in an age where we have choice. And if we lose our stride and get pushed off balance - we get to remember which way is true north.

I want a world where the opportunity lies in this moment ....the moments that matter, the moments that say I heard you.......you matter.

Our job is to nurture, support and embolden the human spirit.  Women and men alike finally have the ability to live up to their potential.

I have a 21 year old daughter daughter and an 18 year old son and what I would tell them is no different:

When fear takes hold ....do it anyway
When you see wrong don't stay silent
Criticising is easy, it is harder to find the good
Always be the best you can be
Be curious
You have two ears and one mouth for a reason....listen well
Never, ever give up
Stay true to yourself
Always listen to your instinct, your GPS is rarely wrong
The times when your are most uncomfortable are the times you will grow the most!

I want a world where the opportunity for both is equal and is distinguished not by their gender, their religious or sexual preference, their colour or education  but their contribution to the world we live in. I want them to nurture, support and embolden the human spirit.

I have a daughter who was born on International Women's day and a son who was born on Melbourne Cup day, my hope for them is to always have a voice and occasionally take a gamble!