This International Women’s Day, Assistance Dogs Australia would like to recognise and celebrate all women, in all their diversities. It is a day to honour and celebrate women and the incredible contribution they make to the world in which we live.
The tremendous efforts our female colleagues make at ADA are certainly worth celebrating, particularly given 84% of our workplace are female and 78% of those hold a leadership position.
This year’s theme, #AcceleratingAction, holds particular significance. The World Economic Forum has stated that, at the current rate of progress, achieving gender parity will take until 2158 — about five generations from now. This reality emphasises the pressing need to accelerate our efforts toward achieving gender equality. It serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in addressing barriers and biases encountered in the workplace and beyond.
Focusing on the need to accelerate action emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres. Find out more information on the IWD website.
To celebrate this International Women’s Day, we asked one of our female leaders, Katie Hunter, Regional Manager, what mentoring young women means to her.
1. You have been a mentor for a number of young professional women: what drives your desire to mentor?
If I listen to the stories my family tell, then my desire to teach/coach/mentor has been a core trait from a very young age.. my Great Aunt used to swear that when staying with her I’d follow any guide/assistance dog saw, and would say when I grow up, that’s what I’m going to do. And I reached that goal because of the support of mentors.
I have an incurable passion to help others grow and reach their potential; empowering others creates a wider ripple effect.
I gain joy in sharing knowledge and creating shared experiences, plus mentoring pushes me to reflect, and provides me with opportunities for continuous learning.
2. What is the one piece of advice you would pass onto any woman wanting to excel in her career?
The flip side to a love of learning, and mentoring is that giving one piece of advice is hard! So, here’s a few:
- Trust in your own abilities
- Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself; ask for opportunities, speak up.
- Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers who challenge you to be your best and encourage your growth.What would you say to someone considering mentoring?
Give it a go, embrace the experience.
Mentoring is an incredibly rewarding experience, not only for the person you’re guiding but for yourself too. It’s an opportunity to gain new perspectives, share your knowledge ,learn from others, and make a meaningful impact on someone’s journey.
3. If you could change one thing to improve gender equality, what would it be?
Education; equal access for all genders, particularly where gender bias limits opportunities for women/girls. Education is a powerful tool for empowerment and can break down societal barriers. By ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has the same opportunities to learn, develop skills, and purse their passions, we would create a foundation for greater equality. Educated individuals are more likely to challenge stereotypes, advocate for themselves, and contribute to a more equitable society overall.
4. If you could change one thing to improve gender equality, what would it be?
Education; equal access for all genders, particularly where gender bias limits opportunities for women/girls. Education is a powerful tool for empowerment and can break down societal barriers. By ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has the same opportunities to learn, develop skills, and purse their passions, we would create a foundation for greater equality. Educated individuals are more likely to challenge stereotypes, advocate for themselves, and contribute to a more equitable society overall.
