March Forward this International Women’s Day
On Saturday, March 8th, International Women’s Day returns to advocate for gender equality and recognise the achievements of women worldwide. It’s a time to reflect on the progress of the pioneering women of the past and empower the trailblazers of today to keep driving positive change.
Marching forward means breaking barriers, rewriting preconceptions, and believing in a bold vision of the future.
Where did International Women's Day Begin?
The celebration arose from early 20th-century labour movements throughout Europe and North America, and the first International Women’s Day was held on March 19th, 1911. However, it wasn’t until 1977 that the United Nations officially recognised the event.
Sydney saw the first Australian International Women’s Day in 1928, organised by the Militant Women’s Movement, which demanded equal pay, paid leave, and fairer working conditions for shop girls. Observance of the day spread from there to Brisbane, Melbourne, and the country as a whole until it became the annual event we honour today.
UN Women has announced the theme for International Women’s Day 2025: March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls.
This theme commemorates 30 years since the United Nation’s Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a progressive blueprint for advancing women’s rights and achieving gender equality. The message reminds us that despite the significant progress made, we must continue to drive change with decisive steps towards the future outlined in the declaration.
Gender inequality is still a very present issue for millions of women worldwide. It must remain a long-term, systemic priority through activism and policy changes so that the promises of three decades ago can transform into meaningful action.
If you’re interested in getting involved, check out UN Women Australia’s range of events across the country and online.
Women at Optical Superstore
During this annual celebration, Optical Superstore would like to draw attention to and give thanks to all the women who work diligently to keep our stores running and your vision clear. From optical dispensers and assistants to managers, owners, tenant optometrists and all the behind-the-scenes jobs that don’t get enough credit, there is no Optical Superstore without women.
A truly clear vision of the future is one with gender equality at the forefront.
Women have been integral in optometry for longer than most people realise. From significant scientific breakthroughs to being changemakers for the way professional career women are perceived, their contributions are vast and often overlooked. Learn about just a few of these influential women below:
Dr Ella Gertrude Smith Ayer Stanton Jones (1863-1931)
In 1899, Dr. Stanton became the first licensed female optometrist in the US. She was popular with patients, an excellent self-marketer, and highly active in professional associations and public service projects. Upon establishing her own optical business, she employed her daughter, leading to an entirely women-run practice.
Ida Emily Ghent (1899-1985)
One of the earliest female optometrists to practice in Australia, Ida Ghent, paved the way for women in the industry today. Graduating from the course for Fellowship of the Victorian Optical Association in 1921 with distinction and the highest marks of her cohort, Ghent was awarded the Medal of the VOA. Ghent opened her own practice in Shepparton, Victoria, and in 1936, was one of only six women among the 286 optometrists registered in the state.
Dr. Estelle Glancy (1883-1975)
Dr. Glancy was a scientist whose extraordinary mathematics and lab skills resulted in important advancements in optics. This includes the development of the very first lensometer, a device still used today to measure the power of lenses. In 1923, she filed a patent on progressive lenses, almost half a century before they would become common use. Her work has even extended to influencing the designs of camera lenses, telescopes, television, and military optics.
Dr. Patricia Bath (1942–2019)
In 1988, ophthalmologist and innovative research scientist Dr Patricia Bath became the first female African American to receive a medical patent for laser phaco. Her device’s laser technology was a significant breakthrough in cataract surgery – minimally invasive and highly effective – and is still used today. Dr. Bath was also an advocate and co-founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, believing that eyesight is a basic human right.
Dr. Donna Theo Strickland
Dr. Strickland is a Canadian optical physicist who, with her partner Gérard Mourou, won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on chirped pulse amplification. This technology is now integral in Lasik eye surgery – among other medical procedures – to correct vision without damaging tissue around the lens.
International Women’s Day is an important reminder to never stop striving for change. Education and awareness are paramount to ensure the women who got us here are rightfully recognised and their work can continue well into the future.
Learn more about women’s contributions to optometry in our article here, which discusses the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Clarity in Equality
Our sincerest gratitude goes out to all the innovators who altered the course of eye care whilst fighting for their right as women to exist in the industry. Their contributions can be seen every day across Optical Superstore locations and in every customer who leaves our stores with crystal clear vision–thanks too, to all the women who carry this torch onwards, including the dedicated staff at Optical Superstore who devote their days to assisting in improving the eyesight of their communities.
This International Women’s Day, make the effort to march forward with us for gender equality.
“We are simply not where we should be.
It’s time to turn promises into progress.”
UN Women Australia
