Inspire Inclusivity on International Women’s Day
Find out how you can champion change and support the good work of IWD today and every day.
- 4 Mar 2025
Celebrating International Women’s Day at Macarthur Square
With International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 just around the corner, now’s a great time to work together to make good things happen. Occurring each year on 8 March, IWD is a global day celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. This year, rallying around the theme of ‘Accelerate Action’, we’re uniting to pave the way for a future where all women have opportunities to thrive. Accelerate Action highlights the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.
As we honour this important day, remember that inclusion isn’t just a concept – it’s an actionable commitment that enriches our communities, workplaces and societies.
So, how can you champion change and get behind the good work of IWD this year? Here are our tips for shopping mindfully and lending your voice to the call for inclusion in 2025.
Celebrating our Local Women
Join us in recognising our local women this International Women's Day.
Australian Skin Clinics - Cynthia and Shannon
Cynthia, their 2IC has been selected as one of the 'younger' faces of the clinic. She is a passionate senior therapist with the kindest nature. On her days off, Cynthia also does volunteer work to give back to the community.
Shannon, is one of their cosmetic nurses who is extremely warm and welcoming. With amazing customer service, she empowers her clients to look and feel their best self. With a background in nursing and disability you know you are always going to get the best cosmetic treatments.
Bevilles - Irene
Irene is an extraordinary woman who brings light, love, laughter and passion to the Bevilles team. She is appreciated for all that she does for her team and they truly admire her. The team believes she is the most deserving asset to their team and would like to acknowledge everything about her.
Enzo's Cucina - Rina
Rina brings a warmth and hospitality to the front of the house at Enzo's Cucina. When you step into Enzo's Cucina Macarthur Square, Rina welcomes you as if you're gathering in her own home - whether it's a long family meal or a quick bite with friends, you'll always feel at home.
Rina is more than a host; she's the heart of the restaurant - a dedicated mother, sister, Nonna and friend. The entire Enzo's Cucina team is endlessly grateful for her kindness, hard work, and unwavering love for both her family and their guests.
F45 Training Campbelltown - Jessica, Samantha and Gabrielle
Coaches Jessica and Samantha, along with Manager Gabrielle, are powerful role models for the women who train at F45. Their passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in each member’s potential create an environment where women feel empowered to challenge themselves. By leading with strength, empathy, and authenticity, they inspire others to break barriers, build resilience, and discover their own capabilities both inside and outside the gym.
Challenges remain, but true leadership is about breaking molds and leading with authenticity. Strength is more than physical; it’s resilience, support, and pushing boundaries. All of which these women above represent.
Just Cuts - Cheng
Cheng was awarded stylist of the year in August last year. She was chosen from about 3000 stylists in the network. Cheng applied with Just Cuts 2 years ago and has excelled in her hairdressing expertise and achieved beyond expectation. She has become a fabulous stylist and has overcome many hurdles to achieve great things and success in the Just Cuts Network.
Rockwear - Abbey
Since Abbey was promoted to her store manager role in October, the team has received multiple compliments about her. Abbey is kind and open to their female customers, is supportive when helping them purchase their active wear all in an effort to help women feel good about themselves.
WOTSO - Tia
Tia is a dedicated community leader and advocate for social impact, actively shaping the Macarthur region through her work at WOTSO Macarthur Square. As a board member of The Blue Butterfly Institute, No Home, My Home, and Wollondilly Women in Business, she champions initiatives supporting local businesses and vulnerable communities. An active member of the Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce, Tia is passionate about fostering connection, empowerment, and meaningful change.
Retailers doing good
Shopping with intention at Macarthur Square isn’t just about updating your autumn wardrobe or finding the perfect shade of foundation – it’s about supporting the brands and businesses working towards a better, more inclusive world.
When it comes to shopping mindfully, every purchase you make is a small but mighty act of support for women’s inclusion at home, at work and within our community.
From sustainable initiatives to charitable partnerships and beyond, many of our retailers are doing good things at a grassroots and global level. Here are just some of the brands working to inspire inclusivity this International Women’s Day:
Cotton On Group: empowering through education
Cotton On might be our go-to for snagging that perfect party dress or pair of summer slides, but it’s also a powerhouse of positive change that’s advocated for equality from day one. The brand partners with charities and communities across the globe to “tackle some of the biggest challenges facing young people today.” And they’ve got the runs on the board to prove it. So far, Cotton On Group has:
- Launched the Cotton On Foundation, focused on developing and supporting projects that empower women and girls globally, especially in education.
- Implemented a women’s empowerment program across Bangladesh Suppliers through CARE Australia. This program improves the lives of female garment workers through education and skills development, promoting economic independence.
- Launched their CURVE range in more locations to cater to a broader range of body types and customers.
MECCA: championing beauty and inclusion
Your go-to destination for the latest beauty trends and skincare essentials, MECCA is a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity in the beauty industry. With a steadfast commitment to supporting women and championing diversity, MECCA has set a new standard for being a beauty retailer with a purpose. Through its efforts, MECCA has:
- Launched the M-Power initiative, which invests in education and leadership opportunities to break down barriers and nurture the next generation of female leaders.
- Expanded its beauty range to promote inclusivity by offering an extensive range of products to cater to diverse skin types, ensuring every customer feels represented.
- Committed to inclusive marketing that features models of different ethnicities, sizes and ages to reflect the diversity of its customer base.
- Supported menstrual health initiatives that supply menstrual care products to those in need.
- Promoted inclusivity and self-love through events, workshops and social media.
- Made strides in gender pay equity through initiatives demonstrating its commitment to fairness and equality in the workplace.
- Undertaken a gender pay equity review to review and adjust their remuneration practices and policies.
- Partnered with the AFL Women’s league (AFLW). As the official apparel sponsor, the company supports female athletes, promotes gender equality and showcases women’s achievements in sports.
- Distributed sanitary pad kits through the Cotton On Foundation, supporting people who menstruate to manage their menstrual health.
Woolworths Group and Big W: striving for gender parity
With a steadfast commitment to creating a culture where all genders are valued equally, Woolworths Group is setting a new standard for corporate responsibility. Awarded the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s Employer of Choice for Gender Equality not once but twice, they’re not just talking the talk – they’re putting it into action. To date, the Group has:
- Made strides towards gender-balanced leadership teams with a goal of 40:40:20 by 2025, ensuring women have equitable access to leadership opportunities.
- Become signatories to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), guiding their efforts to promote gender equity and women’s empowerment across the workplace.
- Supported growing families by offering 12 weeks of paid parental leave for primary carers and four weeks for secondary carers.
Platypus Shoes: walking the talk of diversity
Platypus Shoes is inspiring inclusion with every stride. Through their innovative “Behind the Door” activation, the company turns their stores into vibrant art spaces that showcase emerging artists from diverse backgrounds. The inclusion of works by Ghostgum, a proud Wadawurrung woman, underscores the brand’s commitment to honouring Indigenous cultures and talent, carving out space for underrepresented voices within the retail space.
In addition, Platypus Shoes has:
- Partnered with Headspace to run workshops focused on educating team members to embrace diversity and promote inclusion.
- Committed to improving the representation of women in leadership positions across the umbrella brand, Accent Group.
- Collaborated with Headspace and Youthline to deliver mental health training for their leaders focusing on “supportive conversations.”
Read about other Macarthur Square retailers doing good for people and the planet.
How to inspire inclusion and support #IWD
Supporting the cause on IWD (and beyond) requires both a personal commitment and collective action. This year, the IWD council is encouraging us to inspire inclusion based on these talking points:
- When women aren’t present, we must ask: “If not, why not?”
- When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice.
- When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action.
- And we must do this each time, every time.
To put it more simply, ask questions, speak up when something doesn’t feel right and take action where possible. By taking these steps, we’re creating space for women and people of non-binary genders to rise and thrive.
On a personal level, you can also inspire inclusion through your everyday interactions. Here are a few ideas (more about each below):
- Educate yourself and others
- Head to an event
- Empower voices
- Choose your words carefully
- Challenge the status quo
- Shop consciously
Educate yourself and others
Knowledge is power, so grab a relevant book, pop on a thought-provoking podcast or get into the nitty-gritty of gender equality over brunch. Swapping notes, sharing stories and seeking out resources is advocacy in action.
Head to an event
Show your support by filling your calendar with IWD events in and around your local community. Whether it’s a breakfast, workshop or rally, attending an event is a step forward in our collective journey. Plus, it’s a chance to meet amazing new people and see genuine change around you.
Search for local and online IWD events near you, or treat yourself to a ticket for UN Women Australia's event, where you can listen to leaders and changemakers re-shaping systems and removing barriers for women to unlock their potential.
Empower voices
Turn up the volume on women’s voices the same way you would with your fave summer playlist – we mean loud and on repeat. Listen to the stories, experiences and wisdom of the people around you and make space for everyone.
Choose your words carefully
Let inclusive language be your new dialect – welcoming and warm. Whether you’re speaking, writing or filling your social feed, let your words build bridges, not barriers. Don’t know what to say, or worried about saying it wrong? Check out resources on how to use gender-inclusive language.
Challenge the status quo
Question stereotypes and societal norms with compassion and curiosity. Keep in mind that change can start with a single step, a new perspective or a small action.
Shop consciously
Shop with purpose at retailers who champion change and empowerment for women and non-binary folks. Make every purchase a reflection of your values and invest in the world you want to live in.
Together towards tomorrow
This International Women’s Day, join us as we pave the way for a more inclusive tomorrow where every woman – and people of all genders – feel seen, heard and valued.
Stay connected to your community and the causes that matter through Macarthur Square.