Things have come a long way for those of the female gender.

Women have won the right to vote; there is greater support and awareness about domestic violence than there used to be; and we’ve had a female prime minister.

But still there is undeniable inequality.

Women are paid 16.2 per cent less than men. Women are three times more likely than men to experience violence at the hands of their partners. 

Yes, there are men’s issues too. However this should not diminish the problems women face every day.

And what better day to stand up and talk about women’s rights than today.

The theme of International Women’s Day this year is #beboldforchange. 

While everyone should feel empowered to be courageous and brave, you don’t have to march down the street in a pink pussy hat to uphold the theme. But more power to you if that’s what you want to do.

All of us, both women and men, can help by doing small things to make a difference.

We have a responsibility to call out sexist remarks when we hear them.

By standing back and not saying anything, sexist comments become normal and acceptable. 

A lot of us can also look at the way we use gendered language.

For example, saying someone runs or throws ‘like a girl’ is an insult. 

This belittles women by implying that they are weaker, slower and not as athletic as men.

We can also all help break the stigma around ‘traditional' female and male occupations.

Jobs such as hairdressing, teaching and nursing have been considered female roles while industries such as automotive, mining and the armed forces are historically male-dominated.

There were three times the number of women in clerical and administration jobs than men in 2016.

Technician and trade roles were taken up by 85 per cent men, while 90 per cent of machinery operators and drivers were also men.

Young girls and boys should be encouraged to pursue any career they want. There shouldn’t be such a thing as male and female jobs.

We can all be champions for women.