This International Women's Day, we caught up with some of our team to ask what the day meant to them, how gender bias impacts their lives, and what we can all do to help Break the Bias and move towards a truer sense of gender equality in our world.
Visit the IWD 2022 website for more information, and steps you can take to help build a world which is diverse, equitable and inclusive.
What's your name and job title?
I'm Rhea Krol, HR Director of PPE LLC and Collegiate Talent.
How long have you been working at PPE?
About five a half years!
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It's a day to be proud to recognise the contributions made by women throughout history. It's also an opportunity to realise that 'history-making' surrounding women/glass ceilings etc was not that long ago in some instances.
What challenges do you face based on your gender?
I think having to be mindful of things that men often don't have to be. For example, tone, dress or expressions. Also being the designated caretaker in too many situations - 'Who can do this menial task? Ask the woman.'
Where have you noticed the biggest changes in gender bias?
I think the biggest change I've noticed is simply the amount of people talking about it. Talking about how there are voids where women aren't often found - political offices, executive level leadership, and so on. I do think we've seen a concerted effort to make changes for the better in those areas, especially over the past five years or so, and I think we're starting to see the outcomes of these efforts... but let's keep going!
How can we all do more to help Break the Bias?
Keep talking about it. Keep 'unlearning'. Let's keep challenging ourselves to ask why things are the way that they are, and how we can do better as a society.
What's your name and job title?
I'm Donna Maskell, Marketing Communications Manager at PPE.
How long have you been working at PPE?
Just over 18 years.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It's a great way to highlight the positive contribution women make in the workplace and wider society, and share their success. Positive role models are important for the next generation of women choosing their future careers and paths in life.
What challenges do you face based on your gender?
I started working in marketing as a 16 year old school leaver. My very first boss was a strong, inspirational woman and she set me on a path to develop my career in marketing. I've worked within engineering companies for the past 28 years, and as my dad was an engineer at Leyland Trucks for over 30 years I grew up around engineering terms and often helped strip down cars on the driveway at home - so I still find it amusing when people don't expect me to understand complex engineering topics!
Where have you noticed the biggest changes in gender bias?
In recent years there's been a push to encourage more women to take up STEM careers, which can only be a good thing in my view. Just because you're female, it doesn't mean you have to be a homemaker or a secretary like in previous generations. When I was at school the boys did woodwork and metalwork, the girls did home economics and sewing. Not me - I was the only girl in the whole school to do woodwork, and even got the top overall grade!
How can we all do more to help Break the Bias?
Women often bring a different perspective and viewpoint to a team, so it's important to have a good balance. Don't consider women to be fragile beings that can only do limited tasks. Women are strong and capable.
What's your name and job title?
I'm Holly Nicholls, Materials Scientist.
How long have you been working at PPE?
I've been at PPE about two and a half years.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It's two-fold for me. In part it's about celebrating the progress women have made in the professional world, where we're seeing many break through the mould. However, it's also about raising awareness that in many respects the scales remain tipped, where women don't have fundamental access to education, or the opportunities to grow or start a career.
What challenges do you face based on your gender?
It can be challenging for many women to assert themselves or have their voices heard in engineering industries, which can be male-dominated.
Where have you noticed the biggest changes in gender bias?
Increasingly women are accelerating up the professional ladder and advancing their careers. They're also being given these opportunities while also deciding to start a family - it's great to see that this is no longer an either/or.
How can we all do more to help Break the Bias?
I think it's important to consider statistics within male-dominated industries during recruitment. For instance, by increasing the shortlist to interviews to include a few more candidates, it will enable more qualified women to be brought to the table and be part of the conversation.
What's your name and job title?
Hannah Ashworth, and I'm Digital Marketing Executive.
How long have you been working at PPE?
I started at PPE three months ago.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
To me, International Women's Day gives us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the significant progress that has been made in the journey towards gender equality all around the world. I think it's extremely important to continue the progress made by all the men and women before us as we use March 8th to bring these topics to the forefront of discussions, and keep on challenging and fighting for the desired outcome of equality for all and where each and every one of us feel valued.
What challenges do you face based on your gender?
For me personally, I would highlight the barriers to sports participation that girls and women still face. I think keeping active has so many positive impacts. Increasing physical activity is one of the biggest factors influencing mental health, but the barriers in gender assumptions and personal safety, for example on the streets, public transport and near sports venues, can still be a problem for some women. There's also an inbalance of media coverage of women's sport, which has led to a relative lack of female role models to inspire girls and women to live healthy and active lives.
Although I think society is taking the right steps in moving forward towards true gender equality, there's also still steps to take with the gender paygap and raising awareness of male privileges.
Where have you noticed the biggest changes in gender bias?
I've definitely noticed an increase in the number of women feeling empowered and taking leadership and top position roles.
How can we all do more to help Break the Bias?
I think one of the biggest things we can all do is support each other and celebrate all women's achievements and goals, while still continuing to call out gendered assumptions.