This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, serves as a global initiative aimed at challenging established systems and enhancing healthcare, education, safety, and financial security for women and girls worldwide. Pledging support for this vision is crucial.
However, in 2025, the pursuit of equality is facing new threats. Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency in the U.S., has drastically cut positions related to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI), suggesting that government funds to educational institutions may be rescinded unless they terminate DEI programs. This development raises concerns, particularly as the economy struggles, leading some to view DEI efforts as expendable luxuries rather than necessities.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has signalled intentions to cut DEI roles should the Coalition secure victory in the upcoming federal election. While fiscal restraint is essential, it prompts the question of whether this is part of a broader cultural backlash against ‘wokeness’. Notably, DEI roles constitute a minor fraction of Australia’s public service, making them seemingly an easy target for budget cuts.
Economic hardship disproportionately affects marginalised groups. With rising homelessness, particularly among women over 55, and young Australian women grappling with obstacles to financial independence, the situation is critical. The skyrocketing cost of housing exacerbates these challenges, with predictions indicating that in 2024, average housing costs could reach 16.4 times the average household income.
The transformative impact of my podcast, The Pay Off, aims to examine the generational wealth divide while gathering insights from experts in finance, business, and politics to equip listeners with strategies for financial success. Interviews with figures like Future Women founder Helen McCabe reveal the sweeping repercussions of cuts to DEI programs, signalling a concerning shift in prioritisation as organisations struggle to find stability and profit.
Meggie Palmer, who transitioned from journalism to launch PepTalkHer, emphasises the importance of addressing the gender pay gap, which remains a significant issue as women, especially those from specific demographics, earn less than their male counterparts. Palmer advocates for individual responsibility in fostering change amidst challenges.
In this challenging landscape, the potential rollback of flexible work arrangements could impact women’s ability to re-enter the workforce. McCabe highlights the necessity of flexible work environments for attracting top talent, especially among female-driven teams.
On this International Women’s Day, let us adopt Meggie’s ripple effect notion: each of us has the power to contribute positively. Supporting organisations focused on women’s health, education, and safety can create substantial benefits. Australian charities like Share the Dignity, NATSIWA, and Girls Who Code exemplify ways to uplift women in need.
Investing in women’s equality is a collective responsibility, and despite emerging challenges, we can each contribute to the greater goal of achieving equality.