When women are given the opportunity to come together, they share knowledge and wisdom, supporting one another and learning from their elders' experiences. They are strong, passionate peace advocates who find strength in their ability to discover solutions and make things happen in their communities.
Historically, it has been identified that in Stone Age societies, women were respected as equal members of their community, working alongside other members to help their society thrive. Men and women had equal rights, standing, and opportunities in all areas within their communities (BBC2, 2024). According to Professor Ian Hodder (Anthropologist), there was no discrimination between the genders.
However, when civilizations began to document their laws, patriarchy became enshrined and promoted. Over the centuries, men gained rights over women in all areas of their lives, eroding women's standing, equal rights, and self-determination. In the 17th century, legislation was passed stating that women were weaker than men and thus should be paid less—a discrimination that we are still fighting today (Gregory, 2023).
When industrialisation emerged, women ceased gathering and passing on their wisdom and knowledge communally. The spinning wheel, which was not portable, forced women into their homes to spin thread and weave, isolating them from communal discussions and wisdom-sharing, resulting in social and economic impact.
It has taken centuries for women to step out from oppression and start coming together to protest and march for equal rights, better working conditions, peace, and inclusion for all. In the past few centuries, globally, we have seen women uniting through movements such as the Suffragettes and International Women's Day marches and peaceful protests. These movements have supported women in gaining equal rights and helped them speak out, come together, and express their worth. Women began to gain independence, self-determination, choice, and improved wellbeing.
Today, despite overcoming many challenges, women are still not fully recognised as equals within their society. Many women continue to remain economically vulnerable and increasingly threatened by homelessness as a result of many reasons including domestic violence, caring responsibilities, and more. Despite these struggles, women are re-emerging united in their determination to make change.
Today, women continue to come together in peaceful protests and online communities to address these issues. We begin to have choices and the opportunity to make new ones. We are growing in our understanding of the inequality we experience and what we can do about it. We are recognising the gaps, and we are working collaboratively to solve these problems.
The Value of Women Connecting
We grow strong.
We have the ability to share our wisdom and knowledge with each other, and the younger generation learns from older generations.
The younger generations have the opportunity to share their wisdom and how they see the world, being heard as other women take the time to listen.
We understand the importance of respect between age groups and genders.
We have the opportunity to change society and community.
We learn from each other.
We get to experience new things—journaling, creative activities, meditation.
We get to ask questions we always wanted to ask other women.
We build confidence.
We learn to be empowered for ourselves.
We listen.
We get to see others going through the same issues and how they cope with and deal with life.
We accept our authentic selves.
We commit to self-growth.
We have the courage to be ourselves.
When women connect, it improves mental, social, and emotional wellbeing.
Together, we grow trust, value diversity, and understand connections.
Call to Action
Recognise the impact of abuse and continue to improve how to support each other safely.
Create safe spaces for women.
Contribute your voice to help grow the strength and voice of women in our community.
Find ways to expand connections and support, to reach those in need, eg. volunteering, women’s groups that focus on helping others.
Take action within your own capacity to contribute to positive change – eg. even sharing your own story can make a difference.
Learn and grow through programs, professional services, mentors, etc. that help empower you, improve your opportunities, and allow you to live your best life.
"Chi Balance Holistic Wellness” celebrates International Women’s Day through our services, programs and ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with others to rebuild connections, and help women thrive.www.chibalanceholisticwellness.com (Supporting women’s holistic wellbeing)
www.WomensNationalRecoveryNetwork.com.au (Helping women thrive)
“The strength held within women holds all the power required to build a nation, change a world and create a universe.” (Monica Kennedy)
References
Arts and Culture, Google.com. (2025). 8 Stories of women’s protests from around the world. Viewed 28 February 2025. Google. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/8-women-39-s-protests-from-around-the-world/EAVB91kZrsm3LA?hl=en
Foreman A. (2024). The ascent of women – is gender inequality man-made? Viewed28/2/2025. BBC TWO. https://www.bbc.co.uk
Gregory P., (2023). Normal Women: 900 years of making history. William Collins, London.
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