mycause Managing Director Tania Burstin on International Women's Day 2017

International Women’s Day is all about celebrating women and their social, political, economic and cultural achievements. Today also allows us to bring the issue of gender parity to the forefront and encourages debate and action on this topic.

I have been very fortunate to have worked in environments where I was valued for my skills and contributions. I have also been lucky to have had fantastic male and female role models both personally and professionally.

As a feminist business entrepreneur working in the cause related space I see the effect of gender discrimination in many of the charities and personal causes that we support. Particularly causes related to violence against women and social justice issues.

International Women’s Day is a day to give women applause and encouragement and a day to recognise that women in many countries including our own do not enjoy gender parity. That includes issues such as lower pay for like work in Australia or girls forced out of school to carry water for the family in Africa.

At mycause, we assist charities that address women’s issues both here and abroad. In addition we assist women in their personal causes. For example a campaign was launched by two sisters to assist their mother, Galina, whose health has declined since receiving her MS diagnosis. Cara and Alana are raising funds for Galina's stem cell treatment and ongoing healthcare requirements. This campaign gives hope to Galina and her family, providing the much needed support and care that this mother needs.

On this day I am proud to be a female entrepreneur raising over $20 million dollars a year for charities and causes. Today I also give thanks to those that have come before me, from suffragettes to those that have fought for so many rights and freedoms that we take for granted today.

While we celebrate these achievements, today is day which we must come together and recognise and acknowledge the work that needs to be done in our first world country and also for our sisters in developing countries.

Tania Burstin
Managing Director, mycause.com.au