It’s that time of year again – International Women’s Day, when organisations ask “inspiring” women to work for free. And it’s yet another instance of me talking about this topic.
In the last five days, I have been asked to work for free for two organisations – a university and a fashion brand. They didn’t have the budget for speaking fees or accommodation. Since I last posted about this topic, in February, two other people have asked me to speak for free at their organisations.
Countless women I know, who work as writers, speakers, advocates and artists, are asked to donate our time; to tell our stories for free; imparting advice based on lived experience and often involving reliving adversity or trauma – all for the benefit of educating and inspiring audiences who are paid or have paid to be there. And the events are organised by people on salaries.
Often International Women’s Day events are held early in the morning, extending attendees’ working hours. They are almost always organised by women. Women with caring responsibilities have to weigh up the cost of child care or aged care, or ask their partners being able to take time off work to take on caring responsibilities. Disabled women often need extra time and support to get ready for the day. And organisations are expecting us to turn up to speak, all for a cupcake and the opportunity to speak to a privileged audience?!
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Count Her In – Accelerating Gender Equality for Women through Economic Empowerment.
Please count her in your budget when planning your International Women’s Day events. Budget for speakers, as you budget for catering, tech, venue hire and staff. Count her in your budget for the toll of telling her stories, and the time she is away from home. Count her in your budget to ensure you are closing the gender pay gap – for everyone who works for you, not just your employees. Count her in your budget – particularly if she’s from a marginalised background – First Nations, a woman of colour, Disabled, Transgender, a survivor. I am advocating for all women when I ask for payment to speak on days like International Women’s Day.. Count her in your budget. Value women enough to pay us.
Thank you to the orgs who have hired me to work this IWD – and are paying me. It’s much appreciated.
If this post – or my other work – has helped you, you can buy me a drink. Thanks.
Image: Carly, a woman with a red face and short dark curly hair, wearing a purple, green and white floral dress, smiling, sitting in front of a bookshelf filled with books. Purple text reads “count her in your budget”.
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