mycause CEO Tania Burstin on International Women's Day

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. Whether that means 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, this week, mycause launched a campaign to assist a young and loving mother of 3 with type 1 diabetes who is a double leg amputee. Kathy is raising funds for a dual transplant and medical costs. This campaign will help Kathy to improve her health, regain her independence and provide the much needed care and assistance to her children.

On this day I am proud to be a female entrepreneur employing 15 people and raising over $20 million dollars a year for charities and causes. But also on this day I 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 importantly for our sisters in developing and underdeveloped countries.

Tania Burstin

CEO mycause