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Lifestyle
International Women’s Day 2023: #EmbraceEquity
FEB 28|5 min read
We sat down with some of the women of Adairs for IWD, to celebrate the social, economic, cultural & political achievements of women across the world.
It’s time to #EmbraceEquity
This International Women's Day we're spotlighting a small handful of the hundreds of women that make up the Adairs team, by sharing their stories with our community. From storefront to the executive suite, from our creative studio to the campaign room, collectively they represent the passion and power of the women of Adairs.
The theme for this year is #EmbraceEquity. IWD is trying to get everyone talking about how "equal opportunities are no longer enough" for meaningful, widespread change. Equity can be defined as giving everyone what they need to be successful – here's what the women of Adairs had to say about it.
"Equality is better understood than equity, so perhaps we need more education around this in the workplace..."
Sheila Dam
Campaign Manager
Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
I think this day speaks to all of us differently. Equality and equity are constantly thought about and talked about – but this day allows us to stop and take a moment to celebrate women’s achievements. It’s a day to consider how far we’ve progressed and look at what’s on the horizon.
Is there anyone that you look up to that is driving the equity conversation or action?
For me, it’s Susie Wolff (Former driver and currently CEO of Venturi Racing in Formula E).
Susie is an example of someone who walks the walk, by simply following her passion to be a professional race driver in a predominantly male sport, and not be distracted by all the noise and scepticism.
“Performance is power, and if I perform then my gender is irrelevant."
Angie Kent
Product Compliance Manager
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I left the UK at 21 years of age to spend time with some friends and have some work experience in South Africa. That little adventure ended up lasting for almost 18 years! I came to Australia due to family connections and ended up in Melbourne due to work opportunities. When I was born my twin brother and I were given a fluffy Koala toy – I often think that was an omen given we both ended up in Australia!
This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. What does it mean to you?
Equity to me means a level playing field where there is a collective focus to drive the right culture and create an inclusive workplace. Equality is better understood than equity, so perhaps we need more education around this in the workplace – to really open up the conversation.
Paula Kazantzidis
Customer Service Officer
Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
To have recognition of how far women have come over the years. Obviously, there’s still things we can be talking about, but it’s nice to be reminded about where we came from, and all the work that went into getting where we are today. I always think to do things rather than just say it, and today is a perfect example.
Do you have any personal experiences you’d like to share?
I think a lot about how times have changed. I think about my mum’s generation - what expectations were for her, and how she wanted better for me. I had more opportunities growing up than mum did, and now my kids have even more than I did. It’s been incredible to watch the change happen in real time. I’m so proud of the adults my children have become.
"I had more opportunities growing up than mum did, and now my kids have even more than I did."
Yamini Ravi
Senior Finance Accountant
Is there anyone that you look up to that is driving the equity conversation or action?
I have two strong female managers who I look up to and report to daily in my current role. They continue to break the ceilings I once accepted and prove to me every day that you can succeed in finance - which is often a male dominated industry - without having to compromise your goals in life.
What would you like to see change to #EmbraceEquity?
I’d like to see more quotas formalised to ensure equality is accountable at all levels. It’s important we formally support and insert progress plans to ensure female and male dominated industries have equal opportunities to succeed in their role. The idea is not to set each other up to fail but to provide a support network to really thrive, even when tough.
Despina Cerbone
Customer Service Officer
What would you like to see change to #EmbraceEquity?
I would like to see continued progress in supplying basic health needs, such as sanitary products, for women all over the world. It is something we take for granted - that pads and tampons are affordable and easily accessible, however it’s a privilege. We’re not on a level playing field if only half the population has to pay for sanitary products while products like toilet paper are free.
Do you have any personal experiences you’d like to share?
Of all the different roles I fulfill as a woman, being a mother is my favourite. My weekends are all about spending time with my family. I find it heart-warming to see my kid’s generation accept and model inclusivity; there are many lessons to be learnt by them. I have a lot of hope for the next generation.
Jenny Hides
General Manager Product & Design
This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. What does it mean to you?
Embracing equity means acknowledging we don’t all begin at the same starting line. While equality – giving everyone the same resources and opportunities – is great, equity is recognising that different circumstances will mean that some of us need more resources to get to the same outcome.
Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
Today is a day to look forward and plan change, without treating other women as competition. In my own lifetime I’ve witnessed so much change. In my mother’s time, it wasn’t usual for married women to work – and now there’s plenty of room for women in the workforce. Particularly when we lift each other up. The world my grandchildren are entering would have seemed incredible to my mum.
"The idea is not to set each other up to fail but to provide a support network to really thrive."
Rachel Muraca
Retail Operations Coordinator
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I’m a wife, animal lover & rescuer, compulsive photo taker, ice-cream connoisseur, singer, self-appointed comedian, murderino, motorbike riding wannabe roller-skating-beach-front-animal-rescue-farm-living-yogi with a pet camel who travels the world.
This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. What does it mean to you?
I found this really hard to articulate, and the equity vs equality meaning was honestly not something I had really thought of before. Giving everyone the same equal platform to depart from does not mean they will all arrive at the same time, let alone to the same destination. It’s really thinking about setting people up for success by giving them the tools they need - relevant to their circumstances - to reach their goal, so it’s really important to understand people and what they need to be successful.
"Embracing equity means acknowledging we don’t all begin at the same starting line."
Traci Wallis
VIC Area Manager
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I first started managing people 30 years ago in the Retail world. Since then, I have been promoted to a higher level of Management and have gained some valuable skill sets. My passion is leading and developing my team to be the best version of themselves and to be able to gain confidence when given opportunities to further their skills.
Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
International Women's Day is important as it is a day to reflect on how far women have come in equality. It is also a great opportunity to unite, network and rally for change.
Stacey Courtney
Photographer
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I'm Stacey, I hale from the gorgeous parts of South Gippsland where the Gunaikurnai people are the Traditional Owners. Even though I spend my days under the lights of the Adairs studio, bringing our products to life, I’m the happiest at the beach or anywhere near the sea.
This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. What does it mean to you?
#EmbraceEquity to me means working towards an equal playing field. That no matter your gender, race, age, disability or ability, everyone should have a fair chance at working towards their dreams and aspirations, both in their careers and personal lives.
Vandana Prabhu
Omni-Channel Performance Specialist
This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. What does it mean to you?
To me it’s about being fair and correcting all the past wrongs, by giving women the tools to succeed. It is about giving women equal opportunities whilst considering the differences between genders such as physical or biological attributes.
For example: Women should be able to take maternity leave without having the fear of losing their job or missing promotion or leadership prospects.
What would you like to see change to #EmbraceEquity?
A lot of things! Perhaps we can all start at home - who does the lion's share of housework? Have we got the balance right? Are women judged for a messy house in a way that men aren’t? We can all challenge gender stereotypes and act on it.
Amity Xin
Data Engineer
How will you be celebrating IWD this year?
I’ll be gathering the successful women (and we’re all very successful in our own way) in my street to enjoy some drinks together to celebrate this special day. We do that for good days, so why not on IWD?
What would you like to see change to #EmbraceEquity?
I’d like women to have more of a chance to thrive with their careers without having to sacrifice for family or the household. Over the years, we’ve taken on the breadwinner roles - but the household responsibilities never left us. Women juggle a lot between the two and the mindset needs to change.
Emma Teale
Senior People & Culture Business Partner
Is there anyone that you look up to that is driving the equity conversation or action?
I’ve been privileged to be given opportunities throughout my career where, if a woman in a senior position hadn’t seen something in me, I wouldn’t have gone after it. I’m inspired by women like this - who build each other up, celebrate each other and support each other.
This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. What does it mean to you?
Equity is giving a voice to every human; young, old and everywhere in between, from all corners of the world. Equity is about giving everyone the same opportunity to be heard, to be seen, to be supported and to be understood – equally. Most of all, it means having the same access to opportunities. We should be embracing and celebrating all different perspectives, journeys and experiences with compassion and empathy.
"We should be embracing and celebrating all different perspectives, journeys and experiences with compassion and empathy."
Natalie Chylinkski
Home Essentials Product Manager
This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. What does it mean to you?
#EmbraceEquity is about taking ownership and making diversity and inclusion a part of every society’s DNA. It is helping push people, companies and industries to look at what they currently do and what they can do to fix it.
How will you be celebrating IWD this year?
I will be celebrating IWD by acknowledging how Adairs has supported me being a working Mum, over the past 3 years. Adairs was very understanding when I had to start Maternity Leave a lot earlier than expected. I requested to return to work part time when my twins were 6 months old to help support my family. Adairs was so supportive with this and created a part-time role for me, which allowed me to have a healthy work-life balance.
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