International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness of issues affecting women. Most importantly, it is a day for all because collectively we can make a difference.
“When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.”
We sat down with our Digital Marketing Manager, Gemma Crolla to discuss this year’s theme and what it means to her.
What does this year’s theme #InspireInclusion mean to you?
When I think about this year’s theme and apply it to the workplace, for me it means understanding the qualities, goals and challenges of women and creating environments that help them feel supported, welcome and valuable at all stages of their lives.
What do you do at Ambition that inspires inclusion/empowers women?
This is a tricky one to answer because you would need to ask the women around me whether I empower them, but what I aim to do is let the people around me have a voice and listen to them.
I think you can learn a lot from others, and I want the people I work with, especially my team, to feel like they can contribute ideas and voice concerns without judgement. I want to embrace our differences and see what we can learn from each other.
I’m lucky to work in a business that values the opinions of its employees and actively works on employee engagement. My leadership team leads by example, and I hope to do the same.
Who has inspired you?
So many people inspire me, and that list seems to grow daily, but from a personal perspective, I could not start a list like this without mentioning my parents. The most thoughtful, kind and caring people with a strong sense of integrity. I hope one day I grow up to be like them.
From a professional point of view, I work in an office full of inspiring people! Recently joining the “working parents club” has taken that to another level of appreciation!
The majority of staff members at Ambition are women, how do you think that compares to the rest of the industry?
I can’t speak for other businesses but being part of a company that values all employees equally has benefited my career. We have a high number of women in leadership and managerial positions as well as in all areas of the business.
For me personally, I feel that the environment I am working in has been inclusive of my needs as I progress through my own stages of life (most recently becoming a working parent).
I also feel that Ambition knows the job is never “completed” and actively works on new policies and initiatives to continue to progress in this space.
How has Ambition made you feel empowered in your role?
It starts at the top – a strong leadership team that allows you to contribute, listens to your needs and supports your development.
International Women’s Day is March 8th, however, we can all make a difference by taking small steps every day. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can #InspireInclusion.
