Happy International Women’s Day! 🎉

Today, we celebrate the achievements, hard work and determination of women across the world – but we also recognise there’s still some distance to travel.
 
This year’s theme is Break the Bias. It’s an important one, because how women are perceived can affect employment opportunities, safety, and many other aspects of life.
 
In recognition of this theme, we asked our team to name a bias they would like to break, and why. Here’s what they had to say:
 
“I'd like to break the biases that limit the opportunities for women to work and excel in career spaces that are traditionally male dominated (e.g. women in IT, cyber security, graphic design, and in engineering fields). Gender stereotypical views limit opportunities, and creates barriers for many working women around the world, especially culturally diverse women. I hope one day, together, we truly #breakthebias and allow women to pursue, and excel in careers they are passionate towards.”
- Aimal Khan, Creative Designer
 
"I’d like to break the bias that how you look equates to your skills, knowledge, experience and intelligence. I’ve been judged my whole life, blonde bimbo. Blonde yes, bimbo, you decide. I have completed three degrees and have a PhD in evaluation. I am the Research Manager for IPS, one of Australia’s biggest Indigenous-owned consultancies. I lead a team of researchers and we work with federal and state government departments crafting strategies and projects in collaboration to genuinely improve the lives of all Australians, especially Aboriginal people. Breaking the bias is remembering how I feel when someone judges me and giving people the opportunity to be authentically themselves, without judgement. It means holding myself accountable, being aware and challenging my biases to see the amazing woman in front of me for who she really is." - Dr Katie Roe, Research, Policy and Evaluation Manager
 
"From my perspective, I'd like to break the bias of regional females and mothers to be in professional and executive/ management roles and be able to do it well." - Joanne Hill, Aboriginal Business Specialist
 
"I’d like to break the biases around women operating in what are traditionally considered male spaces - and representation is really important here. I love seeing any kind of media that shows women working in those spaces as being ordinary everyday capable professional people." - Nina Smith, Project Manager
 
"The biases I’d like to break are salary/wage discrepancies between men and women undertaking the same duties/job role, in industries where there is no award. The gender pay gap is an international measure and currently shows Australia at 14.2% (2021 figures WGEA & ABS). Women who hold high positions, have influence and are paid equally to their male counterparts, have great power to advocate for change." - Sana Turnock, IPS Business Advisor

"I’d like to break the bias that women aren't/or can't be as successful as men in business. I have experienced this personally, as many female entrepreneurs have, and this theme comes up regularly in my research. There are so many amazing female entrepreneurs, both in Australia and abroad, who are producing some amazing innovation, not only in terms of product, but in business model shaping. In fact, I am fortunate enough to work for a company that has two female Directors who are paving the way for women in business around Australia.  So, the myth that women aren’t as successful as men in business, is just that – a myth." - Nikki Griffiths, IPS Business Advisor
 
A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, where difference is valued and celebrated, is a world worth working toward. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

A big congratulations from the IPS team to our Executive Director Jahna Cedar, who is WA's recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership!

Jahna has dedicated more than 20 years to advocating for equal rights and reconciliation, both as an IPS leader, and while serving on many boards. She is passionate about economic empowerment, through finding inclusive and collaborative ways to increase all women's (and particularly Indigenous women's) participation in the workforce.

Jahna will accept her award at the online Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium on July 8, 2022.
 
The Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership recognise women leaders who purposefully advance gender equity, whether it be in their organisation, community or in broader Australian society. Women are awarded on a National and State/Territory basis every year, with the recipients accepting their awards at events run by Women & Leadership Australia. You can see the full list of 2022 recipients here: https://www.wla.edu.au/awards.html