Monday, March 8, is International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

And there is much to celebrate in 2021, without doubt.

A modern woman's life is vastly different from earlier generations in terms of the opportunities now available to her.

On January 26 we honoured Grace Tame, Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann, Isobel Marshall and Rosemary Kariuki as our Australian, Senior Australian, Young Australian and Local Hero of the year.

Their commitment to improving women's lives, for example by advocating for survivors of sexual assault or migrant and refugee women, fighting period poverty or promoting education, is nothing short of inspirational.

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But while it was wonderful to recognise their endeavours, the fact such efforts were needed illustrates areas where there's still work to be done.

Recent events in Canberra have only underlined such deficiencies.

Those outside the Parliamentary bubble have been hearing stories of a workplace culture where the powerful rule and others fall in line or risk their careers.

Anger has been growing at the government's response since a young female staffer went public about an alleged rape in Parliament House.

Women's Health Goulburn North East says enough is enough, and encourages people to join their COVID-safe March 4 Justice rally in Wangaratta on Monday, March 15, part of a wider national movement.

Chief executive Amanda Kelly wants to give regional people the chance to express concerns raised by politicians' words and actions.

"These are the leaders of our country and the way this is being handled is not respectful of victims and survivors," she said.

MORE COMMENT

Again, great to see people empowered to take this action, what a shame it's necessary.

A century after Western Australia's Edith Cowan became the first woman elected to any Parliament in Australia, International Women's Day remains not a done deal but a work in progress.

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