On International Women’s Day (IWD) this week, June Oscar (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner) wrote “To all our women, stand with confidence and be the powerful women you are, holding tens of thousands of years of wisdom in your hands.” Amongst all the celebrations, articles, images and discussions marking the day, this one stood out. Why? Because it was a message about strength. It was a message about power and wisdom being passed through many generations of women. Not sure why we need to be reminded (and we do need to be), but we all know that women and girls are disproportionately impacted by conflicts, disasters and climate change. Their work in keeping households and communities together is vital but often unnoticed and disregarded. For example it is estimated that women provide between 65 and 80% of unpaid and informal mental health care. The Grattan Institute has shown that the global pandemic has impacted disproportionately on Australian women leaving an already economically disadvantaged group with even more of a gap to men. Examining the problems inherent in this gender injustice is confronting. But it was not where our focus ended this week. Today Mental Health Australia celebrates the strength of women who are using their power and wisdom to drive positive change in their everyday lives and communities. We affirm and pay our respect to the women of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We acknowledge the women who are leading the response and recovery efforts in their flooded communities. We recognise the women in culturally diverse communities who support and hold families together. We stand with the women of the LGBTIQ community in the face of the inequality they experience in different stages and areas of life. We are inspired by the young women in a new generation standing firm for their right to safe study, safe work, safe lives. And we acknowledge with enormous gratitude the pioneering women now older but as wise as ever who have shown us all what it takes. We celebrate and support the women leaders, like the group representing the Safety. Respect. Equity campaign, launched this week, who are working together to drive positive change for all women in Australia. We recognise the incredible strength of those who, despite personal attack and trauma seek to rise and fight for better, for everyone. Have a great weekend, 
Dr Leanne Beagley CEO, Mental Health Australia | 
