Ahead of International Women's Day on Monday 8 March 2021, we did a short Q&A with some of the incredible women within our workforce to understand what this day means to them, how other women have inspired them and what we as a society can do to progress towards a gender equal world.
Featured below are the responses of Angela Venkteshwar - People & Learning HR Manager at DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club.
What does International Women’s Day and this year’s slogan #ChooseToChallenge mean to you?
IWD to me is about women empowering themselves and showing their self-worth and being able to influence change. This year's slogan to me is all about taking the plunge and challenging yourself. It does not matter if you get it wrong, at least you tried.
Which women have supported or inspired you in your career path?
With the US election and Kamala Harris being elected as Vice President of the US, she has been an inspiration to me. Kamala being a woman and of an ethnic background and I myself being Indian I can relate to her. She has strived and will continue to strive to do her utmost best. There is a quote from Michelle Obama which sums it all up for me "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish."
In your opinion, what can we as a society do to progress towards a Gender Equal world?
Talk to women and girls. Make them understand it is important to be heard. They have a voice too. Encourage women to get out of their comfort zone. Let them be comfortable to express their ideas have a say. It's important that women celebrate their own successes and not shy away from them.
