Thanks for the cupcake, but what we need is real action
“Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together, we can forge gender equality. Collectively for #IWD2025, we can all #AccelerateAction”.
For Mums of the Hills Inc, International Women's Day is more than just a moment to celebrate—it is a call to action. Our mission is clear: to advance social and public welfare by addressing the challenges that make motherhood isolating. Mental and physical health struggles, financial hardship, family violence—these are not just individual problems; they are community issues. And yet, under current charity laws, motherhood itself is not considered worthy of charitable status.
I’ll let that statement rest on you. Motherhood is not worthy of charitable status.
But we know better. We know that when mums are supported, families are stronger. When families are stronger, communities thrive. That’s why we are pushing for change—advocating for recognition, resources, and real solutions.
This Saturday, as I demolish an IWD cupcake (or two), complete with purple icing, I'll lament the absence of Mums of the Hills in these celebrations. Mums of the Hills Inc was unable to organise an event for International Women's Day due to a lack of capacity. Despite constant recognition of our vital role, our volunteers are overstretched, and without government funding, we cannot pay staff for the hours required to run initiatives like this.
There is an irony in this situation—we tirelessly advocate for equality, yet our own organisation is undervalued and under-resourced. The very barriers we fight against—lack of funding, systemic underappreciation, and over-reliance on unpaid labour—are the same ones that prevent us from fully participating in events like International Women’s Day. This highlights a deeper issue: while our mission is to advance social and mental welfare by addressing the challenges that make motherhood isolating, we too are impacted by the same systemic barriers. If organisations like ours, dedicated to supporting mums, struggle to sustain themselves, it only reinforces the urgency of our advocacy and the need for meaningful action to drive real change.
Cupcakes are nice, but equality requires more than symbolic gestures—it demands systemic change. On International Women's Day this Saturday, we need to make a noise about the barriers that drive isolation for mums in our area. The challenges we face extend beyond our own community—they are part of broader systemic issues that impact women's equality across all aspects of life. From economic disparity to safety concerns and housing insecurity, the barriers to gender equity are deeply ingrained. The following sections highlight just a few of the critical areas where action is needed to create meaningful change. This includes recognising the critical role of grassroots women's organisations like Mums of the Hills Inc, which work tirelessly to support mothers yet remain chronically underfunded and overstretched. Real progress requires investment in these community-driven groups that provide essential services, advocacy, and solidarity for women facing systemic challenges.
Gender Equality in the Workplace: More Than Just a Number
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency is set to release the latest Gender Pay Gap data, and the numbers are expected to be telling. Last year’s report revealed a 10.1% gender pay gap in the university sector, lower than the national average of 21.8% but still highlighting persistent, gendered workplace structures that result in women earning less than men. This financial disparity extends into retirement, where women are left with less superannuation, increasing their risk of poverty and housing insecurity in later years.
Economic inequality is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal issue. Closing the gender pay gap means ensuring fairer wages, transparent hiring and promotion practices, and equitable workplace policies that account for caregiving responsibilities. If we truly want to accelerate action, we must demand policies that value women’s work and ensure financial security for all.
For mums, the impact of the gender pay gap is particularly severe. Many take time away from the workforce for caregiving responsibilities, only to return to jobs with lower pay and fewer advancement opportunities. This not only affects their immediate earnings but also compounds over time, leading to reduced retirement savings and financial vulnerability in later life. Addressing workplace inequality must include recognizing and valuing the unpaid and underpaid labor of mums, ensuring they have access to fair wages, career progression, and financial stability.
Safety: Addressing Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence is a widespread issue that affects women in multiple aspects of their lives, from their homes to their workplaces and public spaces. Research shows that pregnancy and the postpartum period can be times of heightened risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). In Australia, studies have found that approximately 2% to 4.3% of pregnant women experience IPV, and data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal that about 1 in 7 women who faced violence from a current partner during pregnancy experienced it for the first time while pregnant. This risk extends into the postpartum period, with research indicating that the frequency and severity of IPV can increase after childbirth. These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted support systems and interventions to protect mums and their children during this critical period. While new legislation in Victoria seeks to ban the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in workplace sexual harassment cases, ensuring victim-survivors have the right to both request and terminate an NDA, there is still much work to be done.
For mums, gender-based violence can be particularly devastating, as it often occurs within domestic settings where they should feel safest. Many women experiencing family violence face immense barriers in seeking help, including financial dependence, societal stigma, and inadequate support services. The consequences extend beyond individual victims to their children, who may also suffer lasting trauma. Protecting mums from violence requires not only strong legal protections but also accessible crisis services, financial support, and long-term solutions that enable survivors to rebuild their lives.
It’s not just in the home—women face gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace too. A national code to prevent gender-based violence in universities is currently under development, aiming for meaningful cultural change. However, this progress is at risk of being derailed by potential political shifts. Advocacy efforts must remain strong to ensure these policies are enforced and that no future government can undermine essential protections for women and marginalized communities.
Housing Inequality: Struggles for Mums
Finding safe and stable housing is a significant challenge for single mums, who often face systemic discrimination in the rental market. Research from the Housing Studies Association highlights the systemic challenges single mums face in securing stable housing, reinforcing the need for stronger policies and support systems to protect them from discrimination. Harmful stereotypes about single motherhood further contribute to these biases, making it even harder for them to secure housing. Limited access to affordable housing, rental price surges, and a lack of rental protections exacerbate the crisis, leaving many single mums and their children at risk of housing insecurity or even homelessness. Addressing these barriers requires policy changes that ensure fair access to rental housing and greater support for single-parent families.
While single mums face significant housing challenges, it's crucial to recognise that women over 55 are the fastest-growing demographic experiencing homelessness in Australia. Between 2011 and 2016, there was a 31% increase in homelessness among older women. This alarming trend is attributed to several factors:
Economic Instability: Many older women have limited superannuation due to lower lifetime earnings and time taken off work for caregiving responsibilities.
Domestic Violence: Leaving abusive relationships can result in financial hardship and housing instability.
Housing Affordability: Rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing options disproportionately affect older women, especially those relying on fixed incomes.
Addressing these issues requires targeted policy interventions, including increasing affordable housing supply, enhancing financial literacy programs, and providing support services tailored to the unique needs of older women.
#AccelerateAction: A Collective Responsibility
International Women's Day 2025 is not just a celebration—it is a rallying cry. A gender-equal world will not be achieved through passive acknowledgment but through active, collective effort. Whether it is fighting for the recognition of motherhood as a vital part of social welfare, pushing for equal pay, or ensuring safety in the workplace and beyond, real change requires all of us.
Social isolation should not be the price of motherhood. The work we do is not just important—it is essential. Together, we will keep pushing until the systemic barriers that isolate mums are broken down.
This year, let’s move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to tangible actions. Equality isn’t given—it is fought for. And together, we will keeping fighting for it.
References for further reading
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2024). Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence in Australia. Available here
Housing Studies Association. (2024). Housing Challenges for Single Mothers in Australia. Available here
Workplace Gender Equality Agency. (2024). Gender Pay Gap Report. Available here
Sisters of Charity Foundation. (2024). Homelessness Among Older Women in Australia. Available here
Australian Human Rights Commission. (2024). Risk of Homelessness for Older Women. Available here