International Women’s Day 2023

Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender-equal future  is the theme for International Women’s Day 2023. WANADA staff marked the day and reflected on what it means to us and our work in the alcohol and other drug sector.

Sector Quality Manager Rochelle McIntosh said that the day is an opportunity to talk about equality with her family, in particular her children.

“It’s also about looking up from the weeds to what is happening in this space around the world and reflecting on any ‘wins’ in the past year on a personal or local level, and equally, any specific challenges.”

“It’s a day to celebrate women and our achievements, but also to reflect on the inequality that still exists in our society today,” says Strategic Advocacy Officer Charli Peasley. “We have come a long way, but there are a lot of issues still affecting women disproportionately or exclusively.”

Rochelle agrees.

“This becomes more and more apparent as my daughter grows older and is moving closer to young adulthood.  Too many conversations in our household are about why it’s different for young women and men in terms of what they can and can’t do safely.”

To achieve gender equity in Western Australia, Charli believes we need to take a preventive approach.

“We need to focus on consistent, genuine and evidence-based education on gender equality and respectful relationships from very early in life, from many different sources – both male and female – such as teachers, parents, siblings, and friends,” says Charli. “Societal change is incremental and often requires action from multiple streams.”

Rochelle also believes the focus needs to be with children and young people.

“We need to challenge and break down gender ‘norms.”

Both Rochelle and Charli see the alcohol and other drug sector as playing a role in achieving gender equity, particularly in relation to gender-based violence.

“I see the alcohol and other drug sector as one of many streams that are doing their part,” says Charli. “For example, while alcohol and other drug use does not cause family and domestic violence, there is an intersection between the two that both sectors are working to address through collaboration.”

“Women are the victims too often of problematic alcohol and other drug use,” says Rochelle. “The alcohol and other drug sector plays an important role by providing treatment and support in the community.”

Photo: WANADA staff members Deanne Ferris, Susan Holt, Charli Peasley, Jill Rundle and Rochelle McIntosh on International Women’s Day 2023.