Today, on International Women’s Day, I’m reflecting on the incredible power of collaboration—and why we need it now more than ever.

Much like in the face of a tropical cyclone, as we are in the process of experiencing on the East Coast of Australia right now, the power of collaboration is an amazing thing when seen in action, through human-to-human support.

At the heart of equity is the idea that no one rises alone. Yet, too often, I see the same pattern: marginalised groups being pitted against each other, fighting for ‘a slice of the pie’ when we should be working together to redesign the whole system. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Women, in particular, have a remarkable ability to connect, collaborate, and create real change.

When we lift each other up, we become a force to be reckoned with. But this isn’t just about women—it’s about everyone who faces exclusion or oppression: neurodiverse individuals, people with disabilities, people of colour, those with low incomes, LGBTQ+ communities, and anyone who is pushed to the margins. Our experiences may differ, but our fight is connected.

We’re not each other’s enemies. The real challenge lies in the structures that thrive on inequality—systems built by the mega-rich and those in power who have no interest in seeing anyone else rise. Instead of turning against one another, what if we channelled that energy into collective action?

Here are a few ways we can start collaborating more effectively:

1. Celebrate Diverse Voices

Seek out and amplify the stories of those with different experiences to you. Share their work, listen deeply, and create space for everyone to be heard. Representation matters, but real inclusion goes beyond just having a seat at the table—it means ensuring every voice is valued.

2. Be an Active Ally

Support each other beyond hashtags and statements. If you have privilege in any area, use it to advocate for those who don’t. This might mean hiring inclusively, redistributing resources, or speaking up when others can’t.

3. Build Collaborative Networks

None of us can do this alone. Create partnerships across different sectors and communities, and spaces where we can exchange ideas, share resources, and push for systemic change. Working together doesn’t dilute our individual missions—it strengthens them.

4. Reject Scarcity Mindsets

There is room for all of us. When we stop believing the lie that success is a zero-sum game, we open ourselves to more expansive, creative, and compassionate ways of working together. Collaboration intensifies and multiplies opportunities for everyone.

5. Prioritise Care and Wellbeing

Any kind of advocacy work is hard, and burnout is real. Let’s create environments where rest is valued and where no one is left behind in the pursuit of justice. Taking care of each other isn’t a distraction from the work—it is the work.

On this International Women’s Day, I challenge us all to think bigger. Imagine what we could achieve if we moved past in-fighting and came together to dismantle the systems that hold us all back. Let’s keep humans at the centre of the conversation while embracing and uplifting everyone who faces marginalisation.

We are stronger together—and together, we can change the world.

*Please note the IWD links I’ve included above are the United Nations official pages. There are others which will appear high in the search results, but which are actually corporate marketing & advertising companies, diluting the work of the UN, using different themes, and making money that could be better used elsewhere. See this article about the damage these organisations are doing and how to make sure you and your organisation do better once you know better!