Celebrating International Women's Day

This International Women's Day, we’re continuing to March forward and take action by donating 10% of sales to global charity, Dress for Success. Our campaign celebrates our partnership with this wonderful organisation and supports them on their mission to help women on a path to a brighter, more financially independent future.

This year, we had the opportunity to speak to the women behind Dress for Success and hear—in their own words—what International Women’s Day means to them and why it is so important to continue to accelerate action in pursuit of change.

Dress for Success is an incredible charity that offers styling services, clothing, interviewing support, and workshops, helping women get back to work and achieve financial stability. Their service is especially vital for those who have experienced financial hardship, mental health struggles, and domestic violence. We believe that the work they do is essential for women and the wider community.

Here, we delve deeper into what International Women’s Day means to the stars of our campaign, Carolyn Mackenzie, Managing Director of Forever New, Samantha Gowan, President and CEO of Dress for Success, Christine Graham, Vice President of Dress for Success and their clients, Lindsey and Sashi.

Christine Graham, Vice President of Dress for Success: International Women’s Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions women make in all areas of life, from the workplace to family, from leadership to community building.

International Women’s Day highlights the challenges women continue to face, like discrimination, unequal pay, and violence, and encourages discussion, awareness, and action toward change.

It’s a day to be celebrated because it inspires empowerment, showcases the diversity of women’s experiences, and honours those who have fought for equality.

Sashi, Client Advocate: International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate women, past and present, from all nationalities and backgrounds. 

Lindsey, Client Advocate: Donating to a fantastic cause that uplifts women is not only an act of generosity; it's a statement that says, "I see you, I value you, and you matter." When we support causes that empower women, every dollar becomes a vote for empowerment and hope.

Sashi: Embrace being a woman, your uniqueness, and all your flaws. Societal expectations of how a woman looks and behaves have a significant impact on our mental health. Accepting that our flaws are what make us unique will release us from that pressure and garner a healthier relationship with ourselves. 

Christine Graham: It’s important to actively listen to and support women and girls, fostering inclusive environments that celebrate their achievements and mental wellbeing. By mentoring others and raising awareness of women's issues we can uplift each other and create a stronger, more supportive community.

Lindsey: When I think of strong women, I don’t think of movie stars or world leaders, I think of my Nanna. She was the strongest woman I’ve ever known, and her words held the power to shape how I saw myself. They became my armour, and I've passed that armour down to my daughter and the other women in my life.

Sashi: My daughter, Victoria, has had the most significant impact on my life.

She helped me realise that I hold power and influence over how she views herself. I want to do everything I can to ensure she knows nothing can stop her from being what she wants.

MT: I wanted to write a book that helps people unbind themselves from limiting beliefs. Every single chapter in Unbounded is an action to take to change your life. I think no matter who you are in the world you’ll be able to see yourself somewhere in it and walk away with a really great sense of just what you are capable of in this lifetime.

JD: My first book Unbreakable explains my whole life, on and off the [tennis] court and all the struggles I faced. My follow-up book, which will be out next September is all about diving deeper into mental health. Ultimately, they [both books] are about giving others strength and hope.

SD: We focus a lot on external expectations when deciding what we should do with our lives but often that’s to the exclusion of asking, “do I even like this?” So, the book, Seize the Yay, hopes to encourage readers to focus a little more on joy, fulfilment, and our own uniqueness in finding a life that you love. 

MT: When it comes to uplifting women’s voices in everyday life, we need to make sure we have representation of their voices in every single sphere, especially underrepresented women, First Nations women, women with disabilities, women of colour, those in the LGBT+ community. Tying it back to the campaign, it does exactly that [embraces equity], because if resources and clothes are the gap between a woman being able to have an opportunity and then bettering herself and her community, let’s bridge that gap.

JD: Don’t dismiss, silence or disrespect women in any field or any part of everyday life. Education for boys at a young age is important, for them to understand that women are not any less important.

SD: I think the best way for us all to embrace equity together is to collaborate not compete. So, if there’s a way you can give another woman a leg up, take the opportunity.

MT: I’ve become a lot more comfortable in my aesthetic, so it’s a little bit of business, little bit of chic, and I like to play up masculine and feminine as well. It’s not about looking serious, it’s about what makes me feel the most me.

JD: My staples are suiting, dresses, blazers, blouses, and pumps. Belts, jewellery, and bags are a must as well to accessorise my outfits.

SD: I am a huge fan of a simple blazer, block colours, and versatile textures like denim that go with everything. My wardrobe is 90% staples and then I might throw in a seasonal print or something a bit fun.