Insight: International Women's Day 2024

The theme of International Women's Day 2024 is Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. 

Count her in can mean different things to different people so we caught up with a handful of our people to understand what makes them feel included, who has inspired them and what they would like to shine a spotlight on.

We talked to:

• Emma Bullock, Retail and Brand Experience Manager, QueensPlaza

• Amelia Cater, Corporate Communications Manager

• Mia Baldock, Talent and Acquisition Manager

• Helen Georgiou, Risk Manager

• Sarah Barton, Retail Manager, Box Hill Central

Here's what they had to say!

SB: I feel included when I am given the space to express my ideas and opinions in a safe environment without judgement or interruption.

AC: Feeling safe to be myself and at ease to build connections with others. 

MB: When I feel heard, understood and others value what I have to say without judgement.

HG: It's simple things like being greeted when l arrive somewhere, a smile of acknowledgement, being asked my opinion, even an invite for a coffee or a walk.   I think inclusion is a very personal thing and can have so many different meanings to different people.   It's not one thing. 

EB: The celebration of diversity - I think embracing diversity and recognising the value of different perspectives is key in creating an inclusive workplace. Also respect, feeling respected for my opinions and contributions is fundamental to feeling included. 

EB: My Mum inspires me, she is hard working and extremely dedicated to both her family and career. Her selflessness and sacrifices she has made for both her family and career over the years has really inspired me. 

HG: Actually it's a TV character.  CJ Craig from West Wing.  I wish l could be just like her.  

AC: My Mum. Hands down. Her constant strength, resilience and unwavering support have shaped me into the person that I am. She’s fierce, passionate and kind and always makes people feel counted. 

SB: The women who have the biggest impact for me are the ones I have the privilege of working with on a day-to-day basis who show me that women in Vicinity are intelligent, driven, and always willing to take the time to build each other up and share their knowledge and experience.

MB: Probably more so people in my life close to me: my mum for overcoming and living life with a disability, from close friends who have faced various serious adversities or single parenting and just get on with it.

AC: Understanding and education women's economic empowerment and independent financial wellbeing, especially for those that have taken time out to be a primary carer.

MB: Maybe something related to the juggle or mental load lots of women face balancing two jobs… work and motherhood

HG: Women in Sport. 

SB: I think it is important that we shine a light on the gender pay gap. Change isn’t always easy, but with enough effort, it’s something that will have a huge impact on gender equality within Vicinity.

EB: I would like to see a spotlight on women in leadership and addressing barriers to women’s advancement in the workforce.  

HG: Coco Channel (I wish) 

AC: Taylor Swift!

MB: Turia Pitt or the creator/owner of Lune: Kate Reid 

EB: Melanie Perkins Co-founder & CEO of Canva. I think she could provide some valuable insights into success as the co-found and CEO of one of the most profitable online graphic design platforms and key learnings or insights into how she got there. 

SB: I'd love see more men and male-presenting people do personal research into the struggles that women face in the workplace, and present their questions or solutions they believe would help move us towards gender equality so that we can have a well-rounded and informed discussion.