Voices for change on International Women's Day

As we celebrate International Women's Day in 2024, it's impossible to overlook the strides we've made towards women empowerment, yet there's still a significant journey to undertake. This year, under the theme "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress and Inspire Inclusion," we're reminded of the critical role investment in women plays not just in their empowerment but in the collective advancement of society.

The remarkable women of Vudoo have come together to share their insights, experiences, and visions for a future where women from all walks of life can thrive. We aspire for our voices to be a beacon of change, echoing the sentiments of millions of women worldwide who are striving for an inclusive, equitable future.

Hear from the women of Vudoo:

In what ways do you think workplaces can help build an inclusive environment where women can thrive?

The three ways companies can help build inclusive environments for women are first and foremost, flexible work arrangements. Secondly, transparency in salary bands and promotion requirements. This can help promote confident negotiating and also combat any unconscious biases that may be held by hiring managers. And lastly, really great mentoring programmes with a variety of leaders, both male and female across the business.

Jayde O'Brien, Business Analyst 

Providing an environment where women feel safe to have a voice, where women feel safe to bring ideas, where women feel safe to take risks and to be vulnerable. The other things that companies can do is provide mentorship opportunity to empower women, and to provide a work life balance or flexible working conditions and to promote staff equally not based on gender.

Lili Simatupang, Senior Delivery Manager

One of the ways that I think that workplaces can be more inclusive is to ensure that there are equal opportunities in businesses for hiring, promotions and leadership. I also think that generally women tend to be the primary caregivers of children within family and so ensuring that there are flexible working arrangements for them so that they can attend to both their professional and personal responsibilities.  

Meg Liersch, Senior Graphic Designer 

I think in the last 20 years, a lot of the scaffolding has been done in this area in the fact that government policy now allows both men and women access to pay parental leave. I think what we need to do in the workplace is now encourage men to take that and take their share of that leave. When they are the primary carer, it does mean stepping out of the business for a couple of months. But that is what women have always done. I think it becomes more inclusive for everyone, when no matter your gender, you still have access to the same rights. By building a workplace where everyone is encouraged to do this really helps in in creating an inclusive environment.

Charlotte Glanville, Chief Financial Officer

Is there a particular female figure that inspires you?

The women who inspires me isn't a single person, but rather a composite. They are a constellation of the most remarkable women I've encountered in my life. It's a mosaic formed by the strength of my grandmothers, the wisdom of my mom, the brilliance of the colleagues I've had and the unwavering spirits of icons like Michelle Obama and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Each has etched a unique mark on this ideal reminding me that true power lies in collective strength of womanhood.

Rachel Fang, Global Marketing Director 

For me it’s my mum. She hasn’t changed the world or led any movements but her dedication and selflessness inspires me every day. During the Vietnam War, she sent my brother who was three at the time ahead to Australia and didn't see him until eight years later. And when she my dad finally arrived in Australia they faced language barriers, which made it hard for them to find work, especially for my mom who was a teacher. Despite that, they worked hard to learn a new language and took on multiple jobs so that they could save for their first home and start up their own school teaching Chinese. So for me, when I think of inspirational women, I think of those who persevere against all odds, are hardworking, strong willed and are not afraid to make selfless acts for others.

Sandy Ho, Marketing Manager

What main changes would you like to see for young girls in the next generation?

My greatest wish for young girls is to see them break free from the old dynamics where they compare themselves negatively and feel threatened by success. I think we're moving in the right direction and I hope to see more collaboration and support as a standard force in their professional and private lives.

Manuela Cadd, Head of Strategic Business Partnerships 

The changes that I want to see for the next generation are all barriers are gone! Equal opportunities for everyone in leadership roles, in the boardroom - the sky's the limit. The world is changing, and for us to tap into this power, as a woman - that's what's going to help our future generations change the world.

Keira Lewis, General Manager