Parliamentary Representation

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

The SPEAKER (14:02): I draw honourable members' attention to the 100^thanniversary of International Women's Day today, which celebrates women's achievements everywhere. When we look at where we came from in 1910 (100 years ago), there were no female politicians in this place and very few female leaders of other organisations. We still have a long way to go and most telling is that today there was some sort of announcement that women were working longer hours than men. Of course, all over the world, women still work much longer hours than men.

International Women's Day also reminds us that many women around the world continue to face inequality. Every day, thousands of women and girls are victims of gender-based violence, including sexual abuse, trafficking and early and forced marriage. Rape is a weapon of war daily.

However, today, I want to celebrate with my sisters what we have achieved and be thankful that many of us now have a choice in our lives. I hope that the future for our daughters and granddaughters will achieve true equality for women.