This International Women’s Day the theme is Balance the Scales. Balancing the scales means ensuring every woman and girl is safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives.
Across the globe, this means we need to battle discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and structural barriers that stand in the way of justice and the gender-based violence that prevent women and girls from feeling safe in communities.
When women and girls stand equal, families are stronger, workplaces are fairer, communities thrive, and society becomes safer for everyone.
We asked some of our Youth Cub Program Managers what Balancing the Scales means to them:
“Balancing the scales means striving for fairness, dignity and opportunity. As a Police Officer I have the privilege and responsibility to protect, advocate and lead. For me, IWD is about empowering young women to step forward, not questioning if they belong, but knowing they do. It’s about mentorship, representation and courage. Every time we support another woman, challenge outdated expectations or lead with integrity, we help balance the scales for the next generation.”
Sgt Chantal Kelly
Youth Club Program Manager, PCYC Toowoomba
“For me, Balance the Scales is about freedom of choice — recognising that every woman should have the opportunity to define what matters most to her, whether that’s career, family, community, leadership, creativity, or something entirely different.
True balance comes when women feel supported to pursue their own priorities without judgement or limitation. It’s about creating social structures, workplaces, and communities that remove barriers and provide genuine support, so women aren’t forced to choose between roles but are empowered to shape their own path.
Balancing the scales isn’t about everyone being the same — it’s about acceptance, respect, and making sure every woman has the opportunity, support, and voice to live in a way that is meaningful to her.
My advice to choose to look for the good in your life and practise gratitude — not because everything is always perfect, but because choosing to focus on what you do have can help shape your mindset and create happiness from within.
Say yes to positive and productive opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable or outside your comfort zone, because that’s where growth and confidence are built.
Let your morals guide you and stay true to your values, especially when faced with difficult choices. And remember the importance of healthy boundaries — respecting yourself, your time, and your wellbeing is a strength, not a weakness.
Be kind to yourself, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to grow into who you are meant to become.”
Sgt Storm Kolera
Youth Club Program Manager, PCYC South Burnett
