Monday March 8th was International Women’s Day. The theme for this year was “women in leadership”. We spent a week proudly profiling a number of the female leaders in our organisation. It is important to understand that we are all leaders; leaders in the workplace, leaders at home, leaders driving social change for equality. As an organisation we stand with the women in our workplace and community to be heard, we are here to listen, learn and support. We all need to take the journey to understand gender equality and to self-educate. We are a proud organisation of over 800 staff with great gender diversity. We can all #ChooseToChallenge. Throughout the week a number of our women in leadership were asked how they would help forge a gender equal world.
Errin stated, ‘I’m very fortunate to work with some excellent leaders within and outside of Allambi Care. Being a woman in leadership comes with an extra sense of advocacy. I feel it part of my duty to other women that I actively challenge inequality, biases and harassment to ensure empowerment of others is achieved, that they are an equal and safe. Women make excellent leaders and I’m proud to be a contributor within our company and community.”
Kimberly said, “It is important that girls and young women in our community have strong female role models and mentors to help them realise their strength and potential. We live in a society where gender inequality is still a reality. Only through educating our children and speaking up around the societal norms that perpetuate gender equality will my daughter experience a society where women in leadership positions and positions of influence is the norm rather than the exception.”
Sunet stated “Teach children from a young age that every person has infinite worth and the right to be listened to regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, race, culture or ability. Just this will take us a long way in promoting an equal and just society.”
Lisa went on to say that she agreed with this, but would also add that “Educating my boys around gender equality and challenging stereotypes for an equal future including working mums is of upmost importance.”
Rebecca and Sarah said “What did you mean by that?” Six simple, but powerful words to call out gender bias and stereotypes. Making implicit gender stereotypes explicit and openly confronting them pushes us to challenge those notions, which ultimately benefits us all. Clarity is key here. In a world where more and more people are speaking out it’s important to understand the value of our words and how they effect those around us. Go on, do yourself a favour #ChooseToChallenge
Kirsty said that it is important for all leaders to be constantly bringing awareness to ingrained stereotypes and gender norms within society. Kirsty is a proud mother of two sons and states that she encourages their emotions and an open dialogue about women’s rights, therefore bringing awareness and knowledge of gender inequality.
Mel said that women who lead, support and empower each other are acting as agents for positive social change. Through leadership we are challenging biases that perpetuate gender inequality and educating our children about the benefits of living in an equitable world.
Jacqui said that she is trying to raise strong, compassionate women in her daughters by leading by example. (And they’ve already got it all over me, so I think it’s working!)
Happy International Women’s Day to all the wonderful women out there!