International Women’s Day 2025: Letter from nine.com.au’s guest editor Sylvia Jeffreys

Hello,

Thank you for joining us at nine.com.au on the eve of International Women’s Day; a day that drives meaningful conversations about change and progress. 

One year on from my last editor’s letter, I am reflecting not only on new threats to equality, but on the green shoots that have sprouted.

The swift and loud reaction to sexist remarks made on radio about the Matildas proves that, as a society, we no longer accept those attitudes even when they are disguised as comedy.

The gender pay gap has improved, however, nationally, women still earn an average of $28,425 per annum less than men.

The Coalition, if it wins the election, wants to end work from home arrangements for all public servants; a measure that has paved the way for a drastic increase in female workforce participation, the benefits of which cannot be ignored if you ask the Productivity Commissioner.  

And then there are the global efforts to turn DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) into a dirty acronym and enable organisations to put the necessary pursuit of equality in the “not urgent”, or worse, “not needed” basket.

But back to the green shoots…

All the women who have been named Time Person of the Year

Both sides of politics have pledged more than $500 million to improve women’s health, including more subsidies for contraceptives and hormone therapy, which shows menopause is not just having a moment, it’s finally getting the long term, mainstream attention it deserves. 

On a personal level, I’m encouraged every day by the interactions I have with young women in my office. They are smart, connected and hyper engaged in the world around them. They are bold and brave, not afraid to speak up.

And, more than ever, over the past year I have been inspired by the courage of some of my female peers, my friends, who’ve made huge personal sacrifices to hold people in power to account. It has taken a toll, but they have made an immeasurable impact.  

You don’t have to look far to find reasons to feel optimistic, but we also can’t take our eye off the ever-emerging threats to progress. I hope that in engaging with our content today, you feel more informed about the issues confronting women in 2025 and uplifted by the positive ripples that are flowing across our nation.  

With thanks,

Sylvia Jeffreys