Another International Women’s Day rolls around. The women on your team are buzzing with plans and energy, while the blokes seem about as interested as a cat in a dog show. You can’t help but wonder — is all the effort worth it when it feels like half the room is snoozing through it?

Caitlin Thamm — a psychologist who supports mental wellbeing in creative industries — and Nick Hunter — Co-founder, CEO and Executive Creative Director at Paper Moose — joined Sarah Nguyen from Streamtime to share some honest thoughts on what to do when it feels like no one’s listening.

The cynicism is completely valid

First up, let’s name it: the cynicism is real and totally understandable. Caitlin sees it too: "I think this kind of question comes up with a lot of these days, not just International Women's Day... you can look at the broader picture and feel like nothing is changing, nothing's happening."

It’s not just IWD either — it’s the same cycle for R U OK? Day, Mental Health Week, Pride, you name it. The ‘morning tea and back to business’ routine can leave you wondering if it ever changes anything at all.

Focus on what you can actually influence

When the big picture feels overwhelming, Caitlin suggests zooming in: "Maybe look at your power of control. What do you have control over? What are your goals? What are you actually looking to see change?"

You don’t have to fix your whole workplace overnight. Maybe it’s raising money for an organisation you care about. Maybe it’s one person you’d like to help educate. As Caitlin says: "The most powerful movement is within your environment – that's where you have the most power."

Standing with your colleagues still matters

Even if you’re feeling disheartened, showing up can mean more than you think. "Why not stand with them, even if it is just showing up there for support?" Caitlin asks.

Your quiet support matters. "You don't know who's watching as well. They might think 'oh I want to be a part of this because they are' or they might feel more comfortable talking to you because they know that you're there."

It’s okay to tap out sometimes

That said, you don’t have to carry it all, every year. Caitlin’s advice is reassuring: "If you've been hitting a brick wall over and over again and you're tired of that, take the break. You have every right to do that."

Advocacy burnout is real. Protect your energy when you need to — you’re no use to the cause if you’re running on empty.

Find your allies

Nick knows that real change happens when you find people who care too: "If someone is really passionate about something at Paper Moose, we rally around them and try and turn that thing into a reality."

If you’re pushing for change, chances are you’re not alone — even if it feels that way. "Collectively you can make a big difference within your business," Nick says. It doesn’t have to fall on your shoulders alone.

Sometimes the workplace isn’t the right fit

Nick doesn’t shy away from the tough truth: "If you feel like you're banging your head against a wall and you're not seeing the change that you're pushing for, then maybe the place where you work isn't right for you either."

It’s not giving up — it’s knowing your energy might be better spent somewhere that actually aligns with your values.

Small ripples, bigger picture

Even when it feels glacial, change is happening. Nick points out: "I think we can see with the latest ACA review that things are moving in the right direction, probably not as quickly as they should be."

Every conversation, every event, every ally you bring along matters — even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.

You’re not alone in feeling this way

So, should you do more this International Women’s Day? Maybe. Maybe not. Either answer is valid. The cynicism and frustration don’t mean you don’t care — they mean you do.

Focus on what you can control. Find people who’ll stand with you. Know that small ripples can still make waves. And if you need to sit this one out to protect your energy? That’s not failing — that’s human.

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Voices that won't be silenced

If this conversation has sparked something in you, you'll want to explore Never Not International Women's Day – our continuous, never-ending loop of talks, stories, and calls for change from women across the creative industries. Rather than celebrating for just one day a year and then returning to business as usual, we believe it should be Never Not International Women's Day until true equality is achieved. From photographers sharing their experiences of street harassment to agency founders discussing the realities of building inclusive businesses, these voices refuse to be quiet about the changes still needed. It's raw, honest, and unapologetically real – exactly the kind of conversation the industry needs to keep having. Check out the full collection of talks and add your voice to the movement.

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