When we choose to challenge it really can result in change. We speak to Labourpower National HR Manager Brooke Horbury about this year’s International Women’s Day theme and also how we can all help create an inclusive world.
International Women’s Day (8th March) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It’s also a day that Labourpower recognises and appreciates the amazing women within our workforce.
The 2021 campaign theme ‘Choose To Challenge‘ reminds us that we can all challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. In addition, we can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements.
Brooke Horbury explains how her job as National HR Manager at Labourpower helps her play an active role in challenging gender stereotypes and bias.
Helping to forge a gender equal world
Labourpower is a company with a lot of diversity across the organisation Australia-wide. The result is a great team spirit and an environment that sees women succeed.
Brooke says that female representation at Labourpower is consistent with the gender split for Australians working in recruitment and human resources.*
“We are incredibly proud that internally our workforce is 71% female and our management team is 50% female,” says Brooke.
“I am also really proud that our Senior Management team collectively have a gender-balanced mindset and understand how important women are to the success of the business.”
Celebrating women’s achievements
Labourpower believes that it’s important to take time on International Women’s Day to celebrate and reflect on the achievements of women everywhere.
Brooke says that with such a high proportion of female staff, the company appreciates the important role women play in its success.
“Labourpower also recognises that women exhibit a whole range of character traits that are a great fit for the recruitment industry.”
These include for example the ability to:
- Be great listeners
- Show empathy
- Multi-task
- Problem solve
- Keep a cool head in a crisis
“These attributes come naturally to the female members of our team. And definitely contribute to Labourpower achieving such high client and candidate retention.”
Raising awareness against bias
Brooke says that everyone has a role to play when it comes to building gender equality across the business and that education is key.
“We must be prepared to have difficult conversations. We need both men and women to raise awareness against bias and ensure gender equity becomes the norm,” she said.
“I feel fortunate that my role allows me to nominate women for opportunities. I can also question any lack of female participation and identify alternatives that are more inclusive.”
Taking action for equality
Finally, Brooke says that Labourpower commits to playing its part in building a gender equal world.
“Our organisation believes that a challenged world is an alert world. In keeping with the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, we agree that from challenge comes change.”
So, let’s all #ChooseToChallenge.
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