This is a day late but I could not let International Women’s Day pass without acknowledgement.

It is a time to stop, pause and reflect on the achievements and contributions of women across the globe in all different fields of endeavour. Whether it is in parliamentary offices, gardens, executive boardrooms, hospitals, laboratories, classrooms, sporting fields or any of the other myriad of places where women work and play, their contribution deserves to be celebrated.

On a personal level I am grateful for the women in my own family who have provided an example in previous generations – my mother and both of my grandmothers have definitely shaped who I am today. I am proud of my daughters and all that they continue to achieve. My granddaughters, on the threshold of adulthood, give me great optimism.

It is over 120 years since non-indigenous women in Australia were able to vote but that right was denied from indigenous women for a further 60 years,

The right to stand for public office as well as voting is important and should not be underestimated. We need to continue to be vigilant and demand respect for women who are in the public realm. Despite Julia Gillard’s now famous misogyny speech nearly 14 years ago, women with a public profile continue to be vilified and demeaned by certain sections of our population and the media. I will not dignify any of the comments I have heard and read recently by referencing them directly but I will say that this is not acceptable.

So, on International Women’s Day or any other day, let us not forget the valuable role that women play in our society. Build each other up and celebrate.