10/03/2026
International Women’s Day
Sunday was an opportunity to celebrate ordinary women doing extraordinary things every day, alongside the remarkable women throughout history who have worked tirelessly to improve conditions for women today. Many campaigned for equal rights, leading to landmark legislation—often at great personal cost. They faced criticism and resistance, sometimes even from other women who felt uncomfortable standing out or being targeted as somehow deviant or “wrong.” In many cases, the changes they fought for were not fully implemented until after their deaths.
Throughout history, women have campaigned for equal pay. Milestones in this journey include the Match Girls’ Strike of 1888, the Ford women machinists’ strike in 1969, the Equal Pay Act of 1970, and the Equality Act of 2010. Yet despite these significant steps forward, the gender pay gap remains at around 18%.
The Devaluation Perspective
A phenomenon known as devaluation occurs when occupations performed mainly by women are paid less. From a psychological perspective, lower wages can also devalue women’s vital contributions and social status. This has wider implications, with links to increased levels of anxiety and depression, as well as broader socio-economic impacts—particularly when we consider that women still carry out the majority of household and caregiving responsibilities.
While we have come a long way, it is important to remember that this story is still unfolding. Every success and milestone is thanks to those who paved the way before us and helped lift others up.
It is also a moment to focus on those closer to home: women who may live quietly yet have a profound impact on the people around them—mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, friends and carers.