Today is International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. 

The Central App talked to women in the Central about the biggest challenge or issue for wahine (women) in our district, along with any special activities or ways they would mark the day.

Central Otago district mayor Tamah Alley said equitable access to health services, for women, children and families was her big issue.

Tamah Alley. PHOTO: File 

“Our local providers are amazing, but geez we haul some distance and/or wait a long time to access specialist services that are “just down the road” in a bigger centre.”

Tamah said to acknowledge the day she would try to embody the philosophy; although women can do everything – we don’t have to do it all at the same time.

“Now that you’ve given me the idea, I’ll phone my bestie and share a virtual wine with her to celebrate.”

Cromwell community board chair and Goldfields Primary school principal Anna Harrison said fair and affordable access to early childhood education (ECE) was an issue for Central women, as Cromwell centres have full waiting lists, or have closed their waitlists and there is a shortfall in ECE places available. 

Anna Harrison. PHOTO: File  

“Many women move here because of the job opportunities available for themselves and their partners but are then limited in their ability to join the workforce because of a lack of spaces in ECE. 

“The lack of ECE spaces limits work opportunities for women and sometimes means that families need to move away from Cromwell as they need both parents working to cover the cost of living.”

Anna said she might take a moment of reflection and think about the strong women who have been role models in her life.

CODC Welcoming Communities officer Heather Harries said the extension of Women’s Wednesdays at the Cromwell Pool until the end of March was in line with the values of IWD.

Heather Harries. PHOTO: File

“It’s seeing women from all parts of the globe, all ages, all swimming abilities, coming together, supporting and empowering each other. 

“There is a real sense of camaraderie in it being a women’s only space – we come from different backgrounds with different stories but our commonality is we are all women and that gives us a shared perspective on the world.”

Read more: Women migrants get water wise.

Alexandra Primary School principal Fiona (Fi) Mackley said equity was a challenge for Central women. 

Fi Mackley. PHOTO: Supplied

“I feel immensely proud of the increasing number of women in influential roles in our region…all of our local primary schools and early childhood centres have wāhine tumuaki and head teachers/centre managers. 

“We absolutely love our Breen Construction builder Maggie, she is showing all of our kōtiro (female tamariki) that 'girls can do anything!' while she works away on our new buildings.”

Fi said a special morning tea would be coming for female kaimahi (staff) to let them know how valued they are. 

Pasifika Central Otago representative Kusitina (Tina) Colailago said she would like to see a women’s only support group or centre to deliver outreach programmes specific for women.

Tina Colailago at a Pasifika community dance class last year. PHOTO: Pasifika Central Otago Facebook 

Her plans for IWD were to have a women’s mental health day; she will be watching the New Zealand movie Tinā and making Pasifika desserts sharing kai (food) and knowledge and skills with others in the community.

For The Central App director Vicki McLean said the lingering presence of outdated stereotypes, sexism, racism or homophobia, despite seeming light-hearted to some, perpetuated harmful beliefs.

Vicki McLean. PHOTO: File 

“It’s crucial that we, as women, call out inappropriate comments or behaviour when we encounter them, because every time we ignore such remarks, we allow stereotypes to persist.” 

“Inclusion and diversity should be celebrated every day, and I’m not a fan of labeling people by gender, age, or race. By calling out discrimination, we create a community that respects and values everyone, every single day of the year.” 

Today Vicki will continue her tradition of lighting a candle for the women who have passed on, honouring their memory and the path they paved for us. 

“It’s my way of paying tribute to those who fought for our rights—without them, we wouldn’t be experiencing many of the freedoms we have today.”

The official United Nations theme for IWD 2025 is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” 

Marked annually on March 8, IWD is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about women's equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity and fundraise for female-focused charities. 

IWD has occurred for well over a century with the first gathering taking place in 1911. 

Today is also the final day of the Love Grace Handbag Appeal at CODC libraries. 

Read more: Love Grace Handbag Appeal returns to Central

Read more: Play brings Kāi Tahu wahine toa story to Central Lakes

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