March past the cupcakes this IWD

Every year as March 8th rolls around, we see the same old thing – tokenistic gestures of support for women and gender equality, often in the form of cupcakes.  

While we’re always happy to see workplaces getting involved on IWD, it’s important to remember that gender equality requires genuine action every day of the year.  

IWD is a day to celebrate the achievements and progress of women – but it’s also a day to take action.  

Since IWD last year, domestic and family violence was declared a national crisis. With one in six Australian women in the workforce having an experience of violence, meaningful change is more urgent than ever.   

This year, we’re paying homage to the activist roots of IWD and taking the theme of “march forward’ seriously. We’re marching right past those cupcakes and demanding real and tangible change, starting with workplaces. 

On average, a person will spend one third of their life at work. This means our workplaces have an enormous responsibility to not only be safe and supportive but address gender inequality and prevent violence against women. 

We also know that workplaces play a crucial role in responding to employees who are impacted by violence, with the opportunity to positively influence attitudes and behaviours to prevent gender-based violence.  

Employers also have a significant impact on women’s economic equality and independence, or lack thereof.  

According to the WGEA, nearly 3 in 4 employers have a gender pay gap in favour of men. On average, women will take home $28,500 less than men each year. This means for every dollar a man makes, a woman makes 78 cents.  

By taking real action, on IWD and beyond, workplaces have the power to drive genuine progress towards equality.  

Be the change you wish to see in your workplace. Here are just a few ways you can take action this IWD – and beyond!  

• Download our workplace resource pack to find out if your workplace could be doing more to promote gender-equality.

• Host a workplace fundraiser or panel to raise critical funds for WAGEC’s programs that provide crisis accommodation and support for women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.

• Rally your co-workers and register to Walk for WAGEC on Sunday, May 4th 2025. You can walk in person at Centennial Park, Sydney or walk in your own time remotely (lunch time laps anyone?) 

Thank you for walking past the cupcakes this IWD and making meaningful change for the women in your community.  

Got questions? For more information on supporting WAGEC, please email  laura.chatman@wagec.org.au.