International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Marked annually on March 8th, International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to: celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about women's equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity and fundraise for female-focused charities.
The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias. Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn't enough. Action is needed to level the playing field (source: International Women's Day website)
To celebrate this day and help raise awareness we spoke to four amazing women who have taken very different paths since graduating from UWA.
Fadzai Matambanadzo MBA '16 is the Chief Executive Officer at Avenues Australia a registered NDIS Provider of Support Coordination, Psychosocial Recovery Coaching and Plan Management. Fadzai has encountered the ‘usual challenges’ of being an immigrant in Australia, having a strange-sounding name, trying to establish a good career trajectory, and perhaps the biggest challenge; being a parent and having a fast-paced career while faced with managers with more ‘traditional views’ of women in the workplace.
Danica Lamb BCom '16, JD '18 is a Lawyer at Australian Government Solicitor, but it took a little detour as a Management Consultant in the public policy area, for her to really feel working in law was where she needed to be. Throughout her journey to date, Danica has come to realise it can be challenging to be someone, particularly a woman, who holds the line when it comes to the accountability of others (which is conversely probably a good trait in a lawyer more generally). Especially when it can be uncomfortable calling out comments or behaviour which are disrespectful or inconsiderate.
Lyndal Evans BSc '13 a Search & Rescue (SAR) Helicopter Crewman and Nhanda Yamatji Indigenous Australian, has unfortunately been both directly and indirectly exposed to racism, sexism, bullying and harassment in the workplace. For Lyndal, being a young indigenous woman, meant many colleagues assumed her career progression was largely due to satisfying “industry diversity quotas” rather than demonstrating personal merit and worth. Despite these injustices, Lyndal remains courageous in her strong desire to represent the tireless hard work of her many inspiring and resilient indigenous role models and aims to continue their legacy for our younger generation.
Ella Burke BCom '15 is the Founding Director, HR & IR Specialist at Employii; who in 2022 are moving ahead with their #RespectUsToo campaign, which leverages social media and works with Universities, High Schools, and other key stakeholders, to educate and empower young people to understand and stand up for their workplace rights. Ella admits her world changed in the biggest way when, after a series of traumatic events, she realised the reality of mental health and the importance of investing in your wellbeing. By relying on her core group of friends and family, and utilising her strengths of ‘relationships’ and ‘learning’ she developed new anxiety management strategies and came to realise “I’ve got this”.
There was a common thread running through all of the interviews with these awesome women: we should all accept, respect and embrace the success of other women. Be the positive impact on others, for (in Danica's words) no matter how tired, stressed or busy, you will be your best when you put time and energy into getting and giving support.
And if you are ever in doubt of your next steps, we'll leave you with Lyndal's parting words of wisdom and encouragement:
I once had a fear of flying, now I am a pilot and jump out of helicopters for a living….
You can read more about these inspirational women and their journeys by reading their stories linked below.