Comfier Planet by Alex Irving 6 minutes

International Women’s Day

At Koala, we believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We celebrate the countless contributions that women have made in society, from the halls of power to the corners of our communities. 

We honour the women who have shattered glass ceilings, challenged gender norms and fought for equality and justice. 

Today and all days we celebrate the wildly talented and badass women that make magic at Koala. 

Let’s take a look at some of the powerhouses behind the organisation — the women who make it happen and find out what this day and movement mean to them.

Have big dreams, be courageous and pursue your goals.

Yuki Tsukizaka –  Customer Service Representative — Japan 

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

There’s still a huge gap between men and women in lots of areas. You can see it in everyday life as well as in politics and business. Specifically, our country, Japan, ranked very low in the gender gap ranking by the International Economic Forum — unlike other G7 countries. Lawmakers at the Diet and in managerial positions at companies still mainly consist of men.

Apart from that, in many countries, including Japan, social security for the LGBTQIA+ community has been lacking. If you are a lesbian, you would be labelled as a double minority.

What’s the most valuable piece of advice you can pass on to anyone, especially women trying to establish their careers or anyone striving for gender equality?

When I was in my 20’s, there was a woman in her 70’s I really respected. She always advised me to have big dreams, be courageous and to pursue my goals. Her words have always lingered in my mind. Also, as a lesbian woman, I would like to let other women know that they shouldn’t limit themselves — especially, for lesbian women. Be confident and trust yourself. If you keep doing what you believe, you can find your way and develop connections, you can feel comfortable regardless of your gender. People will acknowledge your talent, ability and greatness.

If you could have dinner with any inspirational woman who would they be and why?

I would choose Jacinda Ardern. She’s not only the prime minister of New Zealand but also a mom and a wife. I was impressed when she attended a session in the Diet with her child (her partner is really supportive, too). She is a great icon and she is a living embodiment that women can be good leaders of society. 

Be strong, Sabby! — a phrase my father frequently shared with me during my engineering career.

Sabrina Emanouel  –  Junior Design Engineer — Australia 

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

It’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day to raise awareness about gender inequality and inequity by providing an opportunity to highlight the topics surrounding these themes that still exist around the world today. By celebrating this day, we can help raise awareness about issues such as the gender pay gap, lack of women in leadership positions, and unequal access to education and healthcare around the world. It is important to also celebrate the achievements of women throughout history and in the present day.
As a female, mechanical engineer, I am particularly interested in celebrating the contributions of women in STEM fields. We can also inspire and empower future generations of women by sharing our own experiences as women in our respective fields.
The day is special as it presents an opportunity to connect with other women who are also passionate about gender equality and equity, and women’s empowerment.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

“Be strong, Sabby!” was a phrase my father frequently shared with me during my engineering career. 

Each day, upon my return from university or work, I would recount to him the discrimination I faced on account of my gender. Despite the possibility of both conscious and unconscious biases, the experiences of inequality inevitably stung. 

My father’s intention was to instil within me the strength to overcome adversity, as gender inequality continues to be a pervasive and unfortunate obstacle to success. Through his words, he emphasised the importance of maintaining focus on my goals and unwaveringly pushing forward despite any setbacks or obstacles.

If you could have dinner with any inspirational woman who would they be and why?

If I could have dinner with any inspirational woman, I would have dinner with the 27th Prime Minister of Australia who happens to be the first female Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard. Having read both of Julia’s books, which highlight her passion about women and leadership, and misogyny in the workplace, I would love to delve deeper into these topics and what she has learned from her life’s experiences. I would also like to discuss the work she is doing at the King’s College London with the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership.

Anything can happen, believe in yourself and keep moving forward.

Kyoko Ozawa – Marketing Director, Commercial — Japan

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

Women’s rights and gender equality still have a way to go. It is a day to celebrate the many things that have been accomplished, but also to look at what has not yet to be done and renew our commitment to keep moving forward.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

“Anything can happen, believe in yourself and keep moving forward”.  I learned these words from a traveller I met while travelling around Australia in my early 20s. Whenever something happened that I felt was unreasonable in my career or with my gender, I’ve chanted these magic words and moved on. It really works!

If you could have dinner with any inspirational woman who would they be and why?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I just want to see the charming side of a strong, intelligent woman.

Don’t break through the glass ceiling, imagine it never existed at all.

Mel Fahey, Co-CEO — Australia 

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

I think it is important to celebrate women and for women to support women — this is super important.

Women take on many different roles in life and society. It is important to stop and reflect on the significant contribution women make to life and the world.

Women bring a lot of diversity of thought and balance to the table.

The reason I say that I think it is important for women to support women, is that throughout my career I have sometimes found that women do not celebrate other women’s successes and can sometimes be critical of other females. I think it is important for women to empower other women and celebrate their successes. We know the juggling act and what it entails, so let’s stop and always be kind to ourselves and celebrate women and all that we have achieved.

What’s the most valuable piece of advice you can pass on to anyone, especially women trying to establish their careers or anyone striving for gender equality?

Work-life balance doesn’t exist. Work-life prioritisation does. 

I was once told by a professional that I couldn’t have it all.  There was an expectation for me to choose my career OR happily raise my three sons. I chose both.
In a world where flexibility is available to you, now is the time to prioritise what is important and makes you happy. It is my belief that we as women can move towards a gender equal world by changing our mindset, behaviors, and conversations.

I think we as women have a responsibility for making sure that we are treated equally and that involves us believing we are equal ourselves. Act in this way, have confidence, back yourself, have a voice, act with courage, be bolder. 

Don’t break through the glass ceiling, imagine it never existed at all.

If you could have dinner with any inspirational woman who would they be and why?

I admire strong women.  Strong, fair and kind. If I had to say 1 inspirational woman, I would say Michelle Obama. Why? Because what I see is a strong and fierce person. A highly authentic, open and transparent individual who is compassionate without eroding her sense of strength.

She has also brought awareness about various social issues and is a big supporter of women in the workplace.

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