Today (March 8) is International Women’s Day (IWD). This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity: “A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.”
With each generation we know more, and we do better. Today and every day we celebrate the women that we work with, live with, and love with.
We asked the wonderful women of Churchill Education what the theme of ‘Embrace Equity’ means to them…
Melody McNulty – Lead Trainer, Assessor & Mentor
“I started my career working as a bikini girl where sexual harassment was rife, and it was ok to touch! I moved on to become the first woman ever employed in a well known sporting business, by a particular male boss who thought women were useless in the industry. I then worked in the male orientated banking industry, having to fight my way to management roles as it was considered that women block progression. We’ve come a long way!”
Sherry Ladia – Skills Recognition Support Officer
“For me equality is when my husband and I both contribute to reaching our goals as a family. E.g. income, looking after our son and household chores. Physically, he is more capable, but I have different strengths that my husband appreciates. Acknowledging both contributions is very important.”
Amanda Smith – Skills Recognition Advisor
“With their equally proud dad, I am a mum of two free thinking, curious, resilient and gutsy children who happen to be female. We have always seen them as individuals and remind them to NEVER define or limit themselves due to their gender, but to celebrate their gifts and strengths as wonderful human beings.”
Sherry and Amanda both shared this beautiful quote…
Tehlia Fritz – Administration & Client Support Officer
“I have been very fortunate at Churchill Education and my previous jobs, to have always felt encouraged and supported for who I am and what I bring to the table in terms of my professional skills. ‘Embrace Equity’ to me, is to uplift, encourage and support women in their careers, roles and decisions, as well as celebrating their achievements.”
Newnie Mendoza – RPL Assessment Support Officer & Marketing Assistant
“‘Embrace Equity’ means living in harmony, respecting differences, and embracing diversity because we see people not based on their gender but based on what they are capable of as a person.”
Carmen Hunwardsen – Skills Recognition Advisor
“Being a woman in the work force has been challenging over the decades. While there has been progress with equity, as a global society, we have a long way to go. As a single mother, I found the best way to support and embrace equity in my own sphere of influence was by being a strong example for my two sons regardless of the challenges faced. Perhaps their generation will reach equality.”
Leonie Orton – Marketing Communications Manager
“On the surface, in the West at least, it appears that we have reached gender equity in the workplace, however I suspect there may be some biases that continue to be part of the very DNA of many of us women. We are less inclined to back ourselves when it comes to asking for promotions, applying for new jobs and it seems in having our career experience recognised. The ratio of women who get qualified with Churchill continues to hover between only 20-25%, despite making up almost half the workforce.
As a woman first and a Churchill Education team member second, can I please encourage you dear reader, to have a look at what qualifications you are eligible for, based on what you already know and can do. Everyone I speak to is amazed and proud of the experience. The assessment is free (of cost and obligation) so back yourself and have a look. You can apply here.
Embracing equity needs to happen in our own hearts. And while we’re at it, we need to celebrate our differences – the wonders that femininity brings to the world: nurturing, empathy, understanding, kindness, creativity, flow and spontaneity. And the balance of masculinity: strength, conviction, clarity, courage and focus. A perfect world celebrates both these forces within each individual and as a community.”
Ross Caldwell
In addition to a team of wonderful women, we’ve got some pretty great men onboard too! Here’s some words from Ross to leave you with…
