Over the past twenty years, the world has witnessed the advancements and progressions of everything from technology to education. Perhaps one of the largest advancements that has occurred not just in the past twenty years, but the past hundred, has been the progression of women’s rights and the portrayed stereotypical social image of what a woman should be. Looking back on history, we see the Suffragettes fighting for the right to vote, women taking over all forms of work industries and society slowly changing as women fought for their recognition and equal stance. International Women’s Day, on the 8th of March, not only recognises the development and evolution of female rights in the past but also looks towards the future and the importance of continuing to fight for equality. Whilst in Australia, we are lucky enough to see women pursuing their desired careers, often backed with years of education or at least the opportunity to access learning facilities- this is not the case for all women across the world. Around the globe, young girls are still being denied the opportunity to attend school and learn basic academic skills. Issues such as the wage gap, workplace inequality and in certain countries an overall lack of basic human rights remain prevalent problems that must be addressed. Take for example Saudi Arabia, a country that only legalised a women’s right to drive in 2018, just two years ago! Additionally, note America, even in the 21st century the powerhouse country is yet to offer paid maternity leave to women. The importance of the 8th of March is to recognise the inequalities that still exist in our modern society and work towards inspiring change within future generations and offering girls, and women, across the world the opportunities and rights they deserve. In more recent times we have seen the world band together in working towards a brighter future for younger generations. The United Nations are the instigators of various different days throughout the year all which promote and encourage countries and different businesses to support and fund the efforts to achieve equality. Movements such as MeToo and Time’s Up have been instrumental in raising awareness of work place discrimination and have been the contributing factors to marches and rallies which have gained worldwide media attention. Many business and educational institutions have funded and offered their support to programs based in industries such as STEM and engineering in hopes to inspire girls across the world. Through these continued efforts and inspirational figures, such as Jacinta Ardern and Malala Yousafzai, we are slowly getting closer to equality. This is also achieved through charities across the world which support education and provide women around the world with the opportunities to pursue their ambitions. It is saddening to see that heading into a new decade, this age long issue is still making headlines around the world. Whilst we have seen such significant change, it remains more important than ever to push for equality and gain the basic human rights desperately needed for many across the world. Oprah Winfrey said it best when she stated “Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create”.