As the world comes together to celebrate International Women's Day 2023 and it's theme of "Embracing Equity", we at STRYDE are reminded of the incredible strength, resilience, and determination of women everywhere.
This week, we interviewed three inspiring women from STRYDE—Zhongmin, Amie and Katherine—to learn more about why they believe celebrating International Women's Day is important, what women inspire them, and how they see the world overcoming challenges associated with women and equality...
Zhongmin Song
Senior Processing Geophysicist
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women's Day?
"International Women's Day holds great significance as it provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience, and diversity of women across the world. This special day allows us to acknowledge and honour the countless women who have overcome significant challenges and obstacles to achieve their goals and inspire future generations of women to do the same. By recognising the exceptional contributions that women make to society, we can continue to advance gender equality and empower women to reach their full potential in all aspects of life."
Which women have inspired you the most?
"Undoubtedly, my mother has been the greatest inspiration in my life. Her kind, caring, and resilient nature has taught me invaluable lessons that have influenced me throughout my life. She has always encouraged me to embrace new skills and never give up, no matter the obstacles I may encounter. My mother's unwavering support and guidance have played a significant role in making me the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for her profound influence in my life."
What challenges have you faced, if any, that you can attribute to being caused by your gender?
"Balancing work and family responsibilities can be a significant challenge for women who are also mothers. However, it's important to recognise that being a working mother can also be a source of empowerment and inspiration, both for oneself and for others. By demonstrating a strong work ethic and making meaningful contributions to the world, working mothers can serve as role models for their children, especially their daughters, and help to break down gender stereotypes and barriers."
How do you see the world overcoming challenges associated with women and equality?
"Raising awareness about the challenges women face and advocating for their rights is crucial in overcoming the obstacles associated with gender inequality. This involves using various tools such as social media, public campaigns, and activism to create a dialogue around gender equality and raise public awareness.
"However, addressing these challenges goes beyond just awareness-raising. It requires a cultural shift in how society views gender roles and expectations. This includes promoting gender-neutral language, challenging stereotypes, and promoting positive representations of women in the media. By taking these steps, we can work towards a more equitable society that values and uplifts women, ensuring that they have the same opportunities and rights as men."
Amie Foster
Global Accounts Manager
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women's Day?
"I think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day to show how much has changed in terms of social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women."
Which women have inspired you the most?
"My mother is my greatest source of inspiration. There is not anything that she cannot do. She continues to always keep challenging herself no matter what the task or situation. She taught me to believe in myself, to never be afraid of speaking up, to always treat people with respect and to be strong."
What challenges have you faced, if any, that you can attribute to being caused by your gender?
"Working within the energy sector is a very male dominated world and was a bit daunting when I was first starting out my career especially as most of my colleagues and senior positions in the company I worked for at the time were male.
"In the 10 years that I have been working in the energy industry, I have started to see this change, which is very positive"
How do you see the world overcoming challenges associated with women and equality?
"I think by providing equal opportunities no matter the gender. Also by celebrating women’s achievements and by raising challenges that women currently face and looking at what can be done to overcome these challenges."
Katherine Douglas
Management Accountant
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women's Day?
"International Women’s Day is a great time to celebrate how much has been achieved for women in terms of equality and how much more is possible now for women because of those who have gone before to pave the way."
Which women have inspired you the most?
"Both my mother and grandmother are my greatest source of inspiration, particularly seeing all that they have achieved over the years, and the challenges that they have managed to overcome."
What challenges have you faced, if any, that you can attribute to being caused by your gender?
"In my career so far, I can thankfully say that no challenges [based on my gender] come to mind."
How do you see the world overcoming challenges associated with women and equality?
"I believe that what is needed is for people to concentrate on the quality and qualifications of others, rather than their gender. Provided that people are judged from a non-bias and equal perspective, and provided with equal opportunities, this could assist in overcoming the challenges that women encounter."