International Women's Day has come and gone for another year.

But the spirit of it shouldn’t pack up with the event banners.

Because the reality is, working as a woman still comes with a set of considerations that many men simply don’t have to think about:

What we wear and how it might be perceived.

How we communicate, and the risk of being labelled “difficult” for being direct.

The impact that having a child can have on career trajectory.

The judgement that can come with returning to full-time work and using childcare.

The very real risk of harassment or assault in the workplace.

And, of course, the gender pay gap that continues to shape career outcomes.

These things are often subtle. But they are real. And they are ongoing.

The data reflects this too.

Australia’s gender pay gap still sits at around 21.1%, meaning women earn roughly 78.9 cents for every $1 earned by men on average. More than half of employers still have a pay gap of over 11% in favour of men.

And around 1 in 3 workers have experienced workplace sexual harassment in the past five years, with women disproportionately affected.

Progress is happening - but it’s gradual.

In recruitment, I see incredibly capable women navigating these dynamics every day. Negotiating salaries. Returning from parental leave. Stepping into leadership roles. Backing themselves in rooms where they may feel like the minority.

I also feel incredibly fortunate to work in a female-founded business, surrounded by incredibly smart, supportive women who genuinely lift each other up. Being part of the team at Samuels Donegan has shown me how powerful that kind of environment can be.

And that’s why I think the real message of International Women’s Day isn’t just about one day of reflection or celebration.

It’s about what we do in the other 364.

Compliment the women in your life - not just on performance, but on courage and growth.

Keep conversations about equity and inclusion going, even when they’re uncomfortable.

Advocate for fair opportunities, flexibility, and representation.

Celebrate progress, but don’t assume the work is finished.

Because meaningful change rarely happens through grand gestures. It happens through everyday actions.

And that’s where the real impact lies.