What IWD means to nonprofit women leading change today (Part 1 of 2)

It’s March 8, 1908.

In New York’s Lower East Side, 15,000 women garment workers fill the streets.

They’re fed up.

For too long, they’ve worked long days hunched over sewing machines in stifling factories, earning just a few dollars a week. 

But today, they are not sewing. Today, they are demanding more.

Better working conditions. Shorter hours. The right to vote.

Their rallying cry? “Bread and Roses.” 

Bread for fair wages. Roses for better living standards.

This march was one of the earliest sparks of what would become International Women’s Day. For these women, March 8 was not just a call for survival but a demand for change. 

Fast forward more than 100 years and while the barriers may look different, they persist.

So this International Women’s Day, I asked a panel of 10 incredible women leading for purpose one powerful question: What does International Women’s Day symbolise for you?

These women are not just talking about change, they’re leading it. From South Africa, to Australia, New Zealand to America, their answers reflect a range of perspectives, each shaped by their diverse lived experiences.

As you read their responses, I invite you to consider what your answer would be.

— Sharon Brine, Founder and Editor (Follow me on LinkedIn)

✨ A day of celebration

Sharon, CEO, Karralika Programs

IWD is an opportunity to recognise the powerful contributions that women make, and have made, in society all around the world, share stories of progress, and to maintain the energy and focus on the work still to be done.

I come from a long line of strong, compassionate and generous women, and for that I am grateful. I have also benefited from generations of women who, through their struggles and triumphs, have made it possible for us all to have a voice and participate as equals.

My hope is that my daughters, and their daughters can continue in this way for the benefit of their families, communities and society.

Sandy, Founder/Team Mum, Hoa Motuhake Sports Trust

This day honours the remarkable women whose incredible mahi creates a positive impact.

Whether as mothers, friends, or business leaders, women contribute to society in countless meaningful ways, shaping the world with their strength, compassion, and leadership.

Their influence is felt in all areas of life.

Tracy, CEO, Change to Come

International Women's Day symbolises power to me.

It's a day when women are recognised for their achievements. Women today work, take care of children, have become independent, and will keep a clean house.

It makes me think about how the world will stop and salute women's accomplishments.

Paula, Chief Legal and Governance Officer, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

For me, International Women’s Day symbolises the relentless pursuit of equality and recognition of women’s contributions in every sphere of life.

It’s a celebration of achievements and a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women globally, encouraging reflection and action towards a more equitable future. It's about women finding their power and standing in that power.

🚀 A call to action

Sarah, Executive Director, Hepatitis ACT

International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of how far we have come but also how much work remains.

At times, it can feel performative, with gestures that don’t always translate into real change. But at its best, it’s a catalyst for meaningful action, inspiring us to push for lasting progress and create genuinely inclusive spaces for all women.

Aneri, Climate Ecosystem Builder, One of a Kind Ltd

IWD is typically seen as a day to celebrate women and their progress, but for me it is seen as a day to reflect on how much further we need to go. True gender equality not only does not exist anywhere, but is under grave threat - this is a day to reflect on how to get there.

Dr Sherry, President, Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

This is a day to showcase awareness on how women are creating opportunities around the world to make our communities stronger.

Often when a challenge occurs in business or communities, when a woman's voice is included in the conversation, we see fresh perspectives and creative solutions emerge. Women bring unique experiences, insights, and leadership styles that drive innovation and progress. Their contributions are essential in shaping policies, businesses, and communities that are more inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking.

International Women’s Day is a reminder of the importance of amplifying women’s voices, ensuring they have a seat at the table, and recognising the transformative impact they have on society. When girls and women prosper, boys, men and entire communities do as well.

Geetha, CEO, Room to Read

International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that gender equality is not just a goal—it’s a necessity.

Education is the foundation for a more equitable world, yet millions of girls still face barriers to learning. At Room to Read, we invest in girls’ education because we know that when a girl stays in school, she transforms not only her own future but that of her family and community.

This day symbolises our collective commitment to ensuring every girl has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.

🕊️ A moment for reflection

Lindsay, CEO, The Andrew Ziehl Foundation

“A strong woman stands up for herself, but a stronger woman stands up for others.”

International Women's Day symbolizes the resilience, courage, and unbreakable spirit of women. Through my work with domestic violence survivors, I’ve seen women rise from fear to freedom, from pain to power.

It’s a day to honour their strength, amplify their voices, and demand a world where every woman is safe, valued, and free.

“A strong woman stands up for herself, but a stronger woman stands up for others.”

Hilary, Tumuaki/CEO, Homes of Hope Charitable Trust

IWD is an opportunity, in the whirlwind of our fast-moving world, to stop for a moment and consider with a grateful heart all those women who have gone before us blazing a trail of emancipation, education, compassion and innovation.

For the women who bravely carried us in their womb to those that stand up for righteousness in extremely difficult circumstances. To remember the many women who have suffered extreme adversity, even death, for the sake of advancing freedoms for their communities. To remember women's capacity for passionate causes, carrying love in their hearts and steely backbone for their purpose.

To also remember how much is yet to be achieved globally for the emancipation of all women, so thankful that we are here, but grieving for those who still suffer inequality and injustice.

International Women’s Day has grown far beyond its activist beginnings at a garment workers’ protest in 1908. For some, it’s a time of recognition. For others, it’s a stark reminder of unfinished work.

But here’s the real question: Will tomorrow look any different because of today?

This year, instead of just marking the day, how can we use it? Will we challenge the systems that still hold women back? Will we advocate, not just celebrate?

Let’s push the conversation beyond one day and into real, lasting change.

Every changemaker has a soundtrack. Our evolving playlist features the songs powering the remarkable women in our Women for Purpose community - the music that moves, inspires, and drives them.

Listen to today’s featured track below or enjoy our collective soundtrack on Spotify 🎧🎵