
International Women’s Day takes place annually on the 8th of March, marking a day to celebrate women’s achievements, but more importantly, to acknowledge and draw attention to the struggles and inequality women around the world face everyday.
I attended an all-girls high school where the prevailing message was that girls could achieve anything (there was even a bumper sticker to go along with it). When you are told something so often, and think about it over and over, those beliefs become your reality. The supportive atmosphere I experienced at school mirrored the idyllic setting of Barbie’s Dream Land in the recent Barbie movie. A bubble of sorts that is vastly different from the outside world. While the movie exaggerates and entertains, it also points out how vastly different things are for women in reality.
In the movie, there is a montage where Ken applies for several jobs that he is vastly under qualified for, yet he approaches each without the fear of failure. This is just one example of how the somewhat blasé language we use when speaking directly to or around young girls plays a big part in forming their future beliefs, and also that of the young boys we raise alongside them.
In my 14 years since high school, there has certainly been progress being made, but there is still much to be done. As awareness grows, so must action. From the everyday language we use, to larger decisions regarding company policies and government quotas, there are countless factors that directly and indirectly impact gender equality.

Eliza – Operations Manager, Showroom Division
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, International Women’s Day is a recognition of the remarkable achievements and contributions of women across different fields and societies. It’s a day to advance the dialogue about women’s rights, equality, and justice. It’s a day to celebrate the progress made while acknowledging the work still to be done.
What are the key issues women are facing in 2024?
Wage disparity with men, underrepresentation in leadership roles across various sectors, ongoing violence against women, lack of access to quality healthcare, and the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, particularly in developing countries.
Do you have any favourite quotes or sayings from women that inspire you?
“The most effective way to do it is to do it.” – Amelia Earhart

Rain – Director
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It is a day where I can reflect how proud I am to be a woman and recognise the progress I have made in my company. It is acknowledging that women have a significant part to play in Trit House and are equally valued.
How can men support gender equality, on International Women’s Day and throughout the year?
Amplify women’s voices, acknowledge their experiences and ideas, and be the role model of educating other men by inspiring them to do the same. Take on a full share of housework and childcare.
Do you have any favourite quotes or sayings from women that inspire you?
“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe.” – Oprah Winfrey

Julia – Interior Sales Consultant
If you could invite three famous women, living or deceased, to an International Women’s Day party, who would they be and why?
Dolly Parton, Betty White, Jennifer Coolidge. They are all/were empowering, kind-hearted, and hilarious women.
Do you have any favourite quotes or sayings from women that inspire you?
“Do not live someone else’s life and someone else’s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you.” – Viola Davis
How can men support gender equality, on International Women’s Day and throughout the year?
Spend time truly listening to women’s struggles, reflect on how you can change negative attitudes/stereotypes you may have about women, and speak up against misogynistic behaviours and beliefs.

Rhianna – Interior Stylist & Visual Merchandiser
If International Women’s Day had a theme song, what do you think it would be and why?
From the Queen herself, Aretha Franklin says it all – R.E.S.P.E.C.T. All we need is a little Respect, whether that be at work, home, out and about or on socials. We need to be respected, and for it to be called out if we are not.
Closely followed by the Iconic Annie Lennox and the Eurythmics. If this song doesn’t inspire all the women to stand up and unit together I don’t know what will.
This song is a representation of the values that were instilled in me and my sister from a young age, by not only my mother, but my late father also. My sister and I were taught all things to be self sufficient. From changing a car tyre or a light globe, plastering a hole in the wall to cooking meals, bandaging wounds or managing finances. Fierce independence and supporting ourselves were key values our parents wanted for us, so they would be sure we would survive and thrive without the need for men to be there to prop us up.
How can we support women’s rights beyond International Women’s Day?
More needs to be taught in schools about toxic masculine behaviours. Men need to feel okay about being vulnerable and having emotions, and showing respect to women in general. Men should be encouraged to call out bad behaviour and other toxic masculine behaviour. It’s important we break down the patriarchal system of seeing women as of less value. Starting with equality in the workplace, equal opportunities for jobs and equal pay. At Trit, being a predominantly female orientated business, we have a sense of comfort that this is being instilled, however broadly across the external community, this is not happening, and it desperately needs to change.
If you could invite three famous women, living or deceased, to an International Women’s Day party, who would they be and why?
Beyoncè – she is an extremely talented, fierce and strong woman who is a great role model for the younger generations. Her work ethic and her raw talent, just incredible! Julia Gillard – seeing her and her strength as the first female prime minister of Australia is truly inspiring. The battles she faced and overcoming such adversity and resistance shows her resilience and character as a human. The TV series “Strong Female Lead” in which she is a lead figure is a must watch! My Mum – my mother has been a huge influence in my life and I admire her daily.
She herself has survived discrimination and inequality based on her gender. She has superhuman resilience and strength. She has been a teaching support person for most of my life, giving aid in the classroom for teenage children with physical and learning difficulties, giving so much of her kindness and caring nature to help support others. Whilst working full time, she also became a carer for my father for over 10 years while he was ill. She has come out the other side now, and is deserving of all the rewards for showing such strength, and overcoming some of the toughest adversities. She is a reminder to me every day to be a resilient, strong woman, whilst remaining a kind, caring and compassionate human.

Sophie – Interior Sales Consultant
If International Women’s Day had a theme song, what do you think it would be and why?
“You Don’t Own Me” – Lesley Gore. To me, this is a powerful song to express that women should not be tied down and should be free to do what they set their minds to.
If you could invite three famous women, living or deceased, to an International Women’s Day party, who would they be and why?
Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Michelle Yeoh – I look up to them, as they are strong and independent women who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world beyond their respective careers. They have used their fame and influence to address important issues, and contribute to charitable efforts.
Do you have any favourite quotes or sayings from women that inspire you?
“There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?” – Zaha Hadid

Harshitha – Office Administrator
What makes you feel empowered as a woman?
As a woman, empowerment for me stems from education, career achievements, financial independence, self-expression, advocacy, body positivity, and a focus on overall health and well-being.
How can men support gender equality, on International Women’s Day and throughout the year?
It would bring such a massive change to society if women were not forced to choose between work and looking after children/family. When choosing between career and family, most women choose both. However, most of them continue to be under-represented in leadership roles, government and in many high-skilled subjects. There’s this belief that mums should be the main caregivers and might not be as committed to their jobs after having kids, which is not true. To achieve real equality, we need to encourage everyone – men and women – to ask for the support and flexibility they need for a good balance between work and life. Everyone should feel okay talking about what they need, so we can create a fair and understanding workplace for all.
Do you have any favourite quotes or sayings from women that inspire you?
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” – Maya Angelou

Foranie – Interior Sales Consultant
How does International Women’s Day contribute to gender equality discussions?
I would say IWD provides a great chance to celebrate women’s achievements in various fields, such as politics, business, science, and the arts. This celebration helps to counter stereotypes against women’s rights.
Do you have any favourite quotes or sayings from women that inspire you?
“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand
If you could invite three famous women, living or deceased, to an International Women’s Day party, who would they be and why?
Rosa Parks – her courage and determination in the face of racial segregation are incredibly inspiring. I would love to hear her thoughts on the progress made in civil rights and social justice since her time. Malala Yousafzai – her advocacy for girls’ education and her resilience in the face of adversity are truly remarkable. I would be honoured to hear more about her experiences and insights into achieving gender equality. Marie Curie – as the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields, she is a pioneer in her own right. I would be fascinated to learn about her groundbreaking work in science and her views on women in STEM fields
Narnia – Interior Sales Consultant
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
u know, and their necessity in society, but celebrating the women that made it possible.
How does International Women’s Day contribute to gender equality discussions?
It opens the conversation, so we can identify the communities directly affected by sexism and how better to change our behaviours to be more inclusive to those affected by sexism.
What are the key issues women are facing in 2024?
The current climate for women and people who identify as women is bumpy. We have equality, but as a society we need to strive for equity, and supporting women aligned people who, despite equality, have been forgotten by the system. I hope 2024 brings more tailored support and love to disenfranchised women.
How can we support women’s rights beyond International Women’s Day?
Always stay open to conversation and criticism, not only about how to treat women, but also men. Feminine and empathetic behaviours should not be seen as automatically negative among men, and by proxy, the wider community.