March 8 is International Women’s Day, and this year the theme is Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. If you ask any female leader, investment and empowerment have been essential to their career progression, and so too for the development of the next generation.
That’s why hello leaders contacted some of the industry’s most passionate female leaders to share their thoughts on International Women’s Day and what the future should include for women in aged care.
Question: The theme for International Women’s Day is Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. What does this mean to you, and from your position as a leader, how important is it to empower and support women?
Answer: Yvonne Timson – Community Vision CEO
It is critical for me to empower and support other women, both inside my organisation as CEO of Community Vision and outside in my everyday life. We know this disparity continues, so I endeavour to provide as much support to other women as possible whether it is helpful insights on how to deal with certain situations, building confidence or engaging in full mentorships, every bit helps to overcome the significant obstacles for women and girls to achieve equal participation in the economy and community.
As women, we are very good at accepting the status quo and being satisfied with the things that we do achieve. This is why it is so important to show support for other women and boost them up, recognise their achievements and acknowledge the amazing work that is being done. I love the quote, “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”
Within our organisation the giving of my time, my trust and my vulnerability to other women is pivotal. It is my responsibility to provide opportunities and a safe space to get things wrong and to learn. Most importantly, I allow the up-and-coming, smart amazing women working around me to also teach me, so we can grow together. That is empowering.
