March 8 is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme, Accelerate Action, focuses on taking swift and decisive steps to address systemic barriers and biases that women face. But what does that mean when highlighting the achievements of women, as well as understanding their experiences in the workplace to create strategies to forge a clear path to gender equality?
We spoke to three women across Bidfood to gain insights and understanding of their experiences in the workplace as a woman. By showcasing these conversations, we can help to spread the message of International Women’s Day.
Michelle has done it all over her 30 years at Bidfood. From starting her career working in our branches to managing the marketing department and more, she is now making waves as a Business Systems & Support Manager in our IT department. When asked about the best advice for younger women wanting to get into leadership roles, she states ‘Find a mentor and establish a good peer support network.’ A common barrier young professionals may face when advancing into leadership roles is feeling isolated. Women creating an inclusive support system is a perfect strategy for a gender-inclusive environment. Michelle’s most recent achievement was transforming a new site into a fully operational warehouse, highlighting her amazing capabilities within the business.
‘Lead by example. Demonstrate inclusive behaviour and support your team members at all times,’ is what Maz, National Sales Manager for Hotels & Recreation, preaches in her work environment. Most of Maz’s ethos in the office is centred around creating a supportive and empowered team, which has been a big part of her career highlights – watching her team thrive and helping them achieve their personal and professional goals. Maz’s leadership strategies are all focused on increasing women’s participation and supporting others – a key area of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action. Encouraging others, creating a positive work environment, being open to the advice of peers and obtaining new skills to improve your capabilities, are a path forged by Maz and the group sales team to increase gender equality.
Being a branch manager is a key role within the business, one of which Natasha has been a part of for over 4 years. Speaking from lived experience, she highlights that warehouse operations can often be a male-dominated industry, so fostering an environment where everyone is treated equally and keeping an open eye to ensuring women are given those same opportunities to work in the warehouse is how she creates action daily to work towards women’s equality. Natasha also highlights how the resources and colleagues around you can provide the support and guidance needed to grow from strength to strength and navigate the challenges that may come from a warehouse environment.
Reflecting on the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, Accelerate Action, we can take the words and experiences of the women of Bidfood as well as the strategies they have put in place to help advance gender equality. Through the work and leadership of the women at Bidfood, not only are we able to support advancement in the workplace, but by using these strategies of the women above, a diverse culture is fostered.
