Changing the climate of gender equality

The 2022 International Women’s Day theme is Changing Climates: Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow– a theme that recognises the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are working to change the climate of gender equality and build a sustainable future.

We asked some local women to share their thoughts about gender equality and the women that inspire them. We also took the opportunity to get their insights on ways to tackle climate change – to help us live sustainably both which each other and the planet.

Robyn Montague - Business/Organisation: Lifestyle Team Leader at Banfields Aged Care Facility

Why do you think it’s important to have equality between the genders?
Equality is about ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. It is also the belief that no one should have a poorer quality of life chances because of the way they were born, where they come from or what they believe.

What steps have you’ve taken in your work to support and promote gender equality?
Banfields employs a broad range of male and female staff members from all walks of life. Everyone has the same opportunities.

Is there anyone you admire who has made a real difference to gender equality – either locally, nationally, or internationally?
My mother was a woman who was way before her time. My very first job was at Safeway when I was 16. I came home upset and explained to mum that managers were asking the young girls to go up and see them in an area we called the catwalk. This was a section above the store floor, where managers could keep an eye on what was happening. If we didn’t go, then we’d get into trouble. I knew some girls had been up there alone with managers and although I didn’t know what it was about, it didn’t seem right. Mum called it out for what it was and got those managers removed. She protected us all.
My mother continued to call out this kind of thing for her whole life. She inspired me to stand up for myself. She always stood up for what was right. She said everyone deserved to be treated equally and taught us right from wrong. She was an incredibly strong influence in my life.
Internationally, I admire Susan B Anthony. She played a pivotal role in social reform and women’s rights. She was a leader in the suffragette movement and at age 17 she introduced “anti-slave” petitions.

If you were PM for a day, what would you do to change the climate of gender equality?
Elevate more women. End gender-based violence. Level the law – government have the legislative power to remedy the gender discrimination laws. I would get things done.

How will you celebrate International Women’s Day?
Banfields will be supplying all the residents with a purple ribbon to wear. Staff will be invited to wear something purple for their shifts. The dining rooms will be dressed with purple flowers and gorgeous place settings. Of course, a beautiful lunch will be served including a purple desert.
At our morning tea catch up we will discuss famous and inspirational women and the contribution they have made in our lives. Photos and a short history on these women will be given out to all residents, so our residents who have trouble hearing will be able to participate. We will ask our residents if they have a woman in their life who inspired them.
The morning will finish with staff and residents singing “I am Woman” by Helen Reddy. This is a favourite song to sing. The female residents sing it strong and true.