UN Women’s theme for 2022 International Women’s Day (IWD), taking place on 8 March, recognises the unsung contributions of women and girls.

Changing Climates: Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow aims to celebrate the work done by female innovators to change the climate of gender equality and build a sustainable future.

CEO of UN Women Australia, Simone Clarke, sat down with CW to share what the singular outcome for this IWD would be, if it were up to her.

“If I could ensure one single outcome for this International Women’s Day, it would be an acknowledgement by all Australians that gender equality is all of our responsibility,” Ms Clarke says.

Even with 25 years as a global not-for-profit and sustainability executive under her belt, she shares she was surprised by the agility demonstrated in the pandemic, “COVID has taught me that when backed into a corner, we can change overnight”.

“This shows that the human will to address gender inequality just isn’t there yet. The 2021 Global Gender Gap report estimates that it will take more than 135 years to achieve gender equality, yet we can accelerate the pace of change.

“We can make it right, right now.”

The IWD events run by UN Women Australia will invite trailblazers from around the globe to speak on the most influential projects occurring in their communities right now, weighing into the fight for a sustainable future.

Most notably, an exclusive interview will be airing with Dame Jane Morris Goodall, the world’s foremost expert on the protection of endangered chimpanzees, and an innovator in empowering young leaders via community conservation.

“Equality today can lead to a sustainable tomorrow, in every aspect of our lives,” Ms Clarke says.

“Not only in the fields of science and technology, but in leadership, finance, education, health care and in the community. 

“But we also know that women are disproportionately affected by climate change, natural disasters, and conflict, so building women’s resilience is vital.”

She describes UN Women Australia’s present priority to equip all women with “resilience-building capabilities” to prepare them for future emergencies in the same vein as what’s been witnessed over the past two years.

“We know they are happening more often and with more devastating impact, across the Pacific and beyond. So, if we increase women’s capacity and their resources to be resilient, then not only women but whole communities will benefit.”

Last year, a $13.5 million investment was announced by UN Women, in partnership with the Australian government, dedicated to working with Pacific partners in strengthening women’s resilience to disasters like climate challenges and COVID-19.

This was in part a response to UN Women and UNICEF research confirming that women and girls die in greater proportions from the effects of disaster.

“That women are recognised for the value they bring to every aspect of life – at home, at work, in the community – that value must be acknowledged and rewarded,” Ms Clarke says.

She also notes that she hopes to see more men walking through the door at this year’s IWD events.

“Often when you talk about gender equality, it’s considered a binary position of men versus women, but that is absolutely not the case.

“The role that men play in eradicating misogyny through the conversations they have, and the actions they take are absolutely fundamental to changing the equality climate in this country.”

For those interested in learning what specific steps are being taken domestically towards gender equality, the IWD lunch on Friday 4 March could be an eye-opening affair.

“Many Australians might not be aware of the steps being taken by UN Women to create safe spaces, working to ensure that women are safe on public transport, in the office, in schools, at work and online,” says Ms Clarke.  

“As long as women are suffering disproportionate violence and harassment, it’s incredibly difficult to imagine that we’re living in an equal world.

“To be truly equal, women need to feel safe – on our streets at night, at home, everywhere.”

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