International Women’s Day will be celebrated on 8 March. It is a timely opportunity to reflect on the contribution made by women in our society and the remarkable progress of the last fifty years in removing the discrimination and inequality women suffered for too long.

It was only in 1966, for example, that Australian public service rules were changed so that a woman would no longer automatically lose her job upon marriage.

Of course, there is more to do in achieving a society where girls and women have just as many opportunities as boys and men.

Here in Bradfield, there is much to celebrate. We have many well know girls’ schools which have long been leaders in supporting their students to become women who can achieve their full potential.

And there are many remarkable women living in Bradfield who are national leaders in their field – such as Australia’s Chief Scientist Cathey Foley, Telstra Chief Executive Vicki Brady, Australian cricket and soccer representative Ellyse Perry and Dr Patricia Selkirk, awarded an AC for her work on the science of Antarctica.

On International Women’s Day, let us celebrate what women have achieved, and recommit to a society in which girls and women have the same opportunities as boys and men.