Today is International Women’s Day (IWD). 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. ASE are proud to provide a supportive environment to all our team members and to celebrate the women on our team, every day.
Imagine a gender-equal world. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
We spoke to two of the wonderful women on the ASE team in celebration of the event to hear what International Women’s Day means to them.
Susan Parker | Office/Administration Manager
What does International Woman’s Day mean to you? A day to celebrate and acknowledge powerful and inspiring women
What does the 2022 International Women’s Day slogan, #breakthebias mean to you in your work life? That women are just as capable as men, have something to offer always in balancing out viewpoints. Gender diversity on boards has proven to increase the financial outcomes of companies.
Who inspires you?
- Elizabeth Broderick
- Julia Gillard for her poise and dignity amongst trying circumstances whilst PM
- Professor Fiona Wood
- Michelle Obama
- Rosie Batty
- Eva Cox for establishing the Womens Electoral Lobby
- Jacinda Ardern
- Donna O’Neill – my ex boss involved in IT software testing for decades, in a very male dominated industry
- Malala Yousafzai
What could tech companies do to attract more women to the industry? Promote supportive work environments, walk the talk on policies such as equal pay, flexibility, inclusion and anti-bias, anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.
Prielle Betito | Customer Experience Marketing Executive
What does International Woman’s Day mean to you? It means celebrating the strong, kind, and clever women in our world that deserve recognition and celebration.
What does the 2022 International Women’s Day slogan, #breakthebias mean to you in your work life? It means rallying around women and their equal capabilities. It means pulling a seat at the table and celebrating their unique perspective at work.
Who inspires you? Any role model that leads with a message of kindness as kindness for women can be seen by some as a sign of weakness rather than strength. Leaders and role models like Jacinda Ardern, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Lady GaGa, Eddie Jaku, Aung San Suu Kyi, Greta Thunberg and so many more.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field? Get comfortable talking to people and understanding people. Read Articulating Design Decisions by Tom Greever. Lastly, say yes to anything that scares you, trying new things is the best method of learning.
What could tech companies do to attract more women to the industry? The big one is introducing policies that consider women’s needs and differences like paid leave for menstruation, menopause, domestic violence, divorce/separation, health issues of a child, and so on. Otherwise, introduce them to a strong working network of women in tech during their onboarding so they have a shared space in the industry.
Is there anything else you’d like to share (quote, advice, poem, inspiration, etc) for IWD? “The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.” -Aung San Suu Kyi.
ASE’s Head of Solution Sales, Kristof Kazmer, said “To the women of the world, we acknowledge you, we are fortunate to call you a friend, a parent, a colleague, or a child. I am privileged to be surrounded by some wonderful women both at work and at home and acknowledge you as the equals you are.”
Collectively every person and all groups can make a difference within their sphere of influence by taking concrete action to help build a more gender-equal world. From small powerful grassroots gatherings to large-scale conferences and events – International Women’s Day is celebrated everywhere. It’s a big day for inspiration and change. Get involved!
For more information on how you can be involved, head to the IWD website.
