Marked annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the varied achievements of women with a call to action to speak up and act for women’s equality and empowerment in today’s society.
This year, we spoke to our very own team about what the day means to them, who inspires them, how they’re helping change the face of the industry and thriving working at Quest…
Anna: It's a day to celebrate achievements of all women and reflect on those who have paved the way over the years for our rights. It is also a day to recognise that there is still a lot that needs to be done for women who don’t have equal privileges and access to opportunities.
Cat: I think it is important to look back on the gender imbalance that has occurred throughout history; celebrate those women and men who have worked to challenge the status quo and promote women as being equal to men and; reflect on what I personally have done to promote female equality. Looking to the future, it is important to inspire collaboration on ways to promote women’s rights to equal pay, equal sharing of unpaid care, ending violence against women and ensuring women globally can access appropriate healthcare services. Women’s rights are not about women receiving special treatment - it is about women being treated equally with men and having the same opportunities as men.
Indi: It's a yearly reminder of the amazing and selfless things that women do. A day that should inspire each of us to strive higher and remind us what we’re capable of.
Lauren: It's a day to celebrate the achievements of women in all industries and walks of life. To take a moment to reflect on those who have paved the way for women to become closer to achieving equality in all forms of their life and to focus on the future and what each of us can do, big or small to work towards greater parity for all women, regardless of race, colour, religion or education.
Madhavi: International Women’s Day to me, not only celebrates the achievements of all women and raises awareness, but also an opportunity / reminder to reflect on what is being done to achieve gender parity.
Anna: With the right support and team around, it can be a truly rewarding industry where you can grow into many different roles and career paths to suit the lifestyle you want to have.
Cat: As a franchisee who started with Quest Apartments as a casual Guest Service Agent, I hope I can inspire others (both female and male) to know that if they work hard and are passionate about our industry, that they can progress their careers and achieve their goals. Women represent more than half the workforce of the accommodation industry and are still a minority in leadership roles. Greater diversity fosters new ideas and ways of looking at things and mixed management teams are often very successful.
Indi: Being new to the accommodation industry, it's been fantastic to be surrounded by so many inspirational and supportive women within the Quest network. I'm excited to see what the future holds for our industry!
Lauren: It means having the opportunity to train and guide the careers of those who may not have found their place yet. I hope it can be seen as a place where woman can not only have entry level positions, but where they can have a lifelong career, by taking whatever path they wish, be it staying in the role they come in at, working their way into leadership positions or owning their own business.
Madhavi: Women in the accommodation industry are now coming forward for leadership opportunities. The industry’s dynamics towards gender parity are changing and it is pleasing to see women being taken seriously and appointed into decision making/ leadership roles where they can really transform the way of thinking and create a change. Hospitality is all about building relationships and connecting, which women are extremely skilled at. It is also encouraging to see employers assuring equal opportunity and flexibility to women, especially mothers, which resonates deeply with me, as mothers (generally, in any industry) often lose opportunities for career progression and promotions.
Anna: It’s hard to narrow it down to one woman, I am grateful to have a close circle of incredible women around me who inspire me everyday with their commitment to just get on with it, despite the adverse circumstance they may find themselves in sometimes. There’s always someone to laugh with, cry with, celebrate with and pull you into line when needed.
Cat: Definitely my mum, Hazel. She was one of the first women to be selected for bank manager training but was required to resign from the bank in the early 1970s when she became pregnant with my older brother (a common policy in many industries and workplaces at the time). She encouraged me to study hard, dream big and make a difference, not only in my own life, but to empower others to promote gender, racial and class equality.
Indi: Jacinta Ardern – who wouldn’t be inspired by this woman! I'm inspired by women politicians who show humility, compassion and strength throughout their careers. It was especially incredible to see her go through pregnancy in this role!
Lauren: Cat – my Franchisee, mentor and most importantly friend. She provided an opportunity in an industry in which I had no experience and saw something in me that at the time I didn’t see in myself. She is a strong businesswoman who has demonstrated to me what it means to be an intelligent, compassionate, kind, hardworking senior leader, while still being a partner, mum and friend. Cat has taught me to be a better person and is so much more than what can be put into words. I will be forever thankful for her guidance, leadership and most importantly friendship.
Madhavi: I find all women inspire me in their own ways. However, not a woman yet – still a little girl – my daughter, Samara really inspires me. She is kind, strong and resilient – well beyond her years. I learn from her just as much as she learns from me. She also inspires and motivates me to want to do better, to fight hard for this cause and to be a better person.
Quest acknowledges the Traditional Owners and cultural Custodians of the land on which our apartment hotels are located throughout Australia and where we gather, work, travel and stay. We recognise and celebrate their continuing connection to lands, waterways and our local communities. We pay our respects to elders past and present for they hold the memories, cultures, traditions and hopes of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.