To celebrate International Women's Day, AirRobe has reached out to a
selection of inspiring women and change-makers across Fashion.
The theme for International Women's Day this year is 'Accelerate Action'.
Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for gender equality. Step forward in
solidarity for International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 on March 8 to help
#AccelerateAction. At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158,
which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity,
according to data from the World Economic Forum. Focusing on the need to
Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive
steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and
urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face,
both in personal and professional spheres. So, together, let's Accelerate
Action to speed up the rate of progress worldwide.
Liz Sunshine is an Australian artist, documentary fashion and portrait photographer based in Melbourne. She has shot for publications such as Vogue and Harpers Bazaar, as well as working on personal projects such as Our Relationship with Clothes and Come as Your Are.
In today’s fast-paced world, where our attention is constantly divided, and women are often pulled in countless directions, "Accelerating Action" takes on a powerful meaning. To me, it’s about honing the discipline to focus on what truly matters - identifying clear values, setting aligned goals, and taking purposeful steps that create tangible change. It’s about crafting a path that not only moves us forward but amplifies the collective impact within our communities.
For me that has meant slowing down my commercial fashion photography to devote more energy to my soft activism project. I’m using this space to raise awareness about textile waste, all while building a dialogue with my community and listening to their voices.
Right now, this kind of focused action is critical. Fast fashion is not only shaping the global and local industry but has influence in our homes, our wardrobes, and our very sense of self.
When I started as a photographer in 2009, I would have been one of the only women in the media room at many fashion events. Fast forward to 2025, and I’m now one of many women in the room. It’s encouraging to see change, and I feel fortunate to be part of that shift. However, while the presence of women behind the camera has certainly grown, we still have a long way to go. The narrative is improving, but there are still deep-rooted systemic issues within the industry that need addressing.
While we’re seeing more women in leadership roles and behind the camera, we still need to see greater diversity in terms of race, body type, and age - not just in front of the camera but behind it as well. Representation should be authentic, and it should include a broader spectrum of women’s experiences and identities. It's not just about ticking boxes - it’s about creating an inclusive environment where all voices are valued and heard.
The fashion industry has immense power in shaping cultural narratives, and there’s still much work to be done in ensuring that these narratives are diverse, inclusive, and reflective of the realities of all women. Until that happens, we’ll continue to see gaps in the stories that are told, both for the public and those working within the industry.
As a creative, I believe my role in accelerating action for gender equality lies in how I capture and elevate the female experience within fashion. Through my fashion documentary work, I focus on the interpretation of fashion, using my own perspective as a storyteller to bring a modern, empowering form of feminism to the forefront. Unlike traditional fashion photographers who concentrate on editorials or campaigns, I focus on everyday women and the unique ways they express themselves through clothing.
This approach is powerful because it affirms that the everyday woman matters - her style, her choices, and her individuality are essential. It’s a celebration of how fashion is a form of self-expression, an art that reflects who we truly are.
More importantly, it highlights an undeniable truth: fashion is meant to be worn, and without the women of the world embracing it daily, the industry simply wouldn’t exist. By telling these stories, I’m helping to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked and remind the world of the profound impact women have on the fashion world - and beyond.
To young women looking to break into photography or any creative field, my advice is simple: trust in your unique perspective. As creatives, we don’t just draw from our technical skills, but from our own histories, experiences, and stories. The power of showing up as a woman in spaces that have traditionally been male-dominated is immense. By bringing your female gaze, your perspective, and your understanding to the table, you not only carve out space for yourself but inspire other women to do the same. Your voice and vision matter - don’t be afraid to let them shine. The world needs your creativity, your approach, and the fresh, transformative energy only you can bring.
At the beginning of 2022 I realised I didn’t have a great relationship with clothes, so I started to explore the why and shared my journey with the community around me. Since then, the project has grown into a fully-fledged art and conversation project. In these last few years I have had four publicly accessible exhibitions, self-published a book, collected thousands of responses to questions related to fashion, had many conversations, both in small community settings and at larger events, am currently in my seventh month of taking 365 days off shopping which I’m sharing on my dedicated Substack, all while repairing my own relationship with clothes.
The overarching idea is to question fashion from a place of love and respect, creating safe spaces where people can think about their relationship with clothes without guilt, shame, or judgement. Australia is the largest consumer of textiles in the world, and through my 15years documenting how Australian women dress, my own experience and now the conversations in my community, I believe it comes down to a lack of confidence and confusion. Confidence that in time we can rebuild.
One simple yet powerful action everyone can take today to accelerate gender equality is to start viewing the way we dress as a form of self-care. It doesn’t matter whether you follow trends, participate in the fashion industry, or wear designer clothes - how we dress impacts not only how we see ourselves but also how we connect with others. Clothing is an essential part of our lives, and when we align our clothing choices with our values, it becomes a powerful act of empowerment.
By reflecting on what we buy, why we buy it, and how clothes fit into our lives, we can start to repair our relationship with clothes. This practice doesn’t just build a stronger connection to clothing - it also supports a fashion industry that values sustainability, personal values, and soft activism. It’s seeking progress not perfection, believing that small changes by many are more impactful than perfection by few.
