Mar 08, 2018

“While women today can vote, we’re still working hard on the pay and work hours front”

The theme for International Women’s Day 2018 is “Leave no woman behind” – young or old this applies to all, so let us take a moment to celebrate the inspiring women in our lives, past or present.

Our wise grandma’s, nurturing mother’s, caring sisters, loving girlfriends and even the amazing men in our lives that support us to be ourselves – today is a great day to reflect on them.

The origins of International Women’s Day are somewhat unknown. But it can be traced all the way back to 1908 in New York.

There, 15,000 women marched through the city demanding voting rights, better pay and shorter working hours.

“Leave no women behind” is something former generations have championed so that today, we are granted many privileges former generations were not.

And while women today can vote, we’re still working hard on the pay and work hours front.

Equal pay continues to be a lingering but important issue of contention, and something that many aged care workers and nurses are still fighting for.

There are only a few different careers that are predominantly female oriented. The biggest in the world would no doubt be nurses and carers – whether it be for the elderly or infants, the disabled or ill.

This is an industry I am incredibly passionate about and proud to say “I’m more than just a nurse”. I say this because too often I hear nurses or carers saying “I’m just a nurse”.

Rather than being proud of the selfless and dedicated role they play in society to care for others.

For most nurses and carers it’s not just a profession – it forms part of their identity and what a privilege it is.

Whilst we are always giving to others, we are also often getting back so much gratitude and reward from the patients/residents and families lives that we have managed to make such an impact on.

At least I know this is something I felt.

This year’s theme is #PressForProgress, which sees to celebrate women’s achievements, as well as act as a catalyst for change when it comes to gender equality.

We are lucky to be in a position where as women if want we can grab the world by the lapels, and stand up in what we believe in and create #change then we can.

Let’s celebrate all that is great with women today – challenges and achievements alike.

#IWD2018 #PressforProgress  #womensday #responsiblecare

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