What stigmas or adversities have you experienced in your career, industry or in life, that you would like to see dismantled?
The presumption that in becoming a mother you are therefore naturally less ambitious in your career goals; that you are somehow less capable or less committed and that it is implied, that your focus should be on raising the children.
What is the action or decision you’ve made that you're most proud of?
I come from quite a large, traditional family where there are expectations of women to follow a certain path. The decision I’m most proud of is that I decided to put my career ahead of patriarchal norms that I knew weren’t for me. There weren’t many women that went on to tertiary education in my family, and I’d be dishonest if I said I didn’t feel the judgement of people who didn’t understand the decisions I was making to get to where I am. I’m so lucky that I now run my own business after many years of hard work, I feel quite proud of the dream job I have.
What stigmas or adversities have you experienced in your career, industry, or in life, that you would like to see dismantled?
The lack of inclusion and intersectionality in the fashion and beauty industry is still very much apparent in 2023. It is exhausting to keep fighting to be seen, heard, and valued in these spaces. I think the only way we can ever dismantle these barriers is if we change our attitudes to wanting to fix it and commit to specific actions around it.
What is one small act each can do that supports the IWD 2023 theme #EmbraceEquity?
Look up and understand what the word intersectionality means and reflect on how we can embody that in our own lives.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a reminder to celebrate the strength of the women who came before me. My Matriarch “Maningawu” (Nana) Alice who is in the Dreamtime now, my Nginari (Mum) and sisters. There are so many influential women and the most influential to me are these important women in my life who helped shape me into the woman I am today.
If you could have dinner with any inspirational woman, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My beautiful Nana who passed because she is one of the strongest woman I know, and I always feel that she is still guiding me in spirit with her strength.
How can women better empower each other to succeed?
Be kind to one another, boost each other’s confidence and value each other. Women have a tendency to be jealous and mean, it is the downfall of the female gender.
Why do you think diversity and inclusion in the workplace is so important?
We are all human beings walking the same planet and we all have something great to offer. Cultural diversity will always bring the best ideas and understanding to the table. We can all learn from one another.
If you could have dinner with an inspirational woman, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Maye Musk. She is a fascinating, intelligent, strong, and confident woman. Having raised three outstanding children as a single mother, and after years of perseverance and hard work, she has succeeded in her modelling career and as a respected dietitian. Most importantly, she maintains a positive outlook, lives life to the fullest, and continually strives to learn and improve.
Over the years, Maye has strictly adhered to a healthy diet and a daily fitness routine to maintain her physical and mental well-being. This serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of ourselves, both physically and mentally, as we strive to succeed in our careers. Without good health, we lack the energy and enthusiasm to care for our loved ones and pursue our dreams.
What stigmas or adversities have you experienced in your career, industry or in life, that you would like to see dismantled?
I have had an amazing career in the fashion industry, and so many women working in this field share the same juggles we have as working parents. I do recall when coming back to work after having my first son, there was some hesitancy about whether I could resume my role (as a buyer, I had to travel overseas every two months), so I had to prove to them and myself that I could manage it. Luckily my family and partner were very supportive of me and helped raise my children while I was away working.
What personal or career advice have you received that's been particularly valuable to you?
'Go back to work.' My mum was very supportive of this and encouraged me to do it. I love being a mum, but I also love being me too. Going back to work made me a better mother and person. I could continue reaching my personal goals and learnt the art of the calm juggle. I can be a partner, mother, friend, sister, boss and me all simultaneously.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women's Day is no longer day for me to harvest flowers and gifts. It is also a new stage for Chinese women in modern times to express themselves. Today, people focus on the concerns of all women – the first is women's health. We have access to the same medical resources as men and the mental health of all women under a sound social equality system. The second is women's rights – equal access to work and social benefits on the same basis as men. In China, we have almost achieved the same rights as men, but as far as I know, the fight for women's rights in many parts of the world is still far off. I believe that this day will come true in the near future.
What stigmas or adversities have you experienced in your career, industry or life that you would like to see dismantled?
I have been very fortunate - I come from a family of females with three sisters and seven aunts, and I have had empowerment from strong females all my life. Fashion buying has always been a female-dominated industry, and I have enjoyed the benefits of working for many inspirational women over the years. As your career becomes more senior, seeing the role reversal with more men at the top was interesting. I think it is changing in our industry, and I am fortunate to sit on an executive committee that is very evenly balanced. I am proud to have female colleagues in positions such as CFO and Head of Omi Channel, which has traditionally been male.
What stigmas or adversities have you experienced in your career, industry or life that you would like to see dismantled?
A stigma I would like to dismantle is the insecurity women face within my particular industry. Over the years, I have seen one distinct misconception; the belief that women are not supposed to be each other's friends but are meant to be competition. Insecurity is a deep-seated issue for many women and girls. I tell myself, 'they are only like this because they have insecurities or feel threatened by my presence' however, this is not the case. Each woman is beautiful in their unique way. The unspoken competition pushes us against each other, creating internal discomfort and a lack of confidence. This issue needs to be dismantled at an interpersonal level, starting with women looking within themselves to address whatever makes them feel the need to compete. Industry leaders must also lead by example to help push this incorrect narrative. Women and girls must empower one another, work together, and not be against each other.
What stigmas or adversities have you experienced in your career, industry or in life, that you would like to see dismantled?
Biases are dependent on gender and ethnicity. I get asked more often than one would realise, "Where are you really from?" with a really weird emphasis on the word "really".
What personal or career advice have you received that's been particularly valuable to you?
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. And from The September Issue, Grace Coddington looking out the window of a car, saying 'Always keep your eyes open."
What does international women's day mean to you?
'Women Life Freedom'. You may have already seen or heard this slogan across various social media platforms. In late 2022, the women of Iran began leading a revolution, directly aiming at the Islamic Republic of Iran's regime and its oppressive treatment of women and girls. For those who don't know, my mum, a very strong woman, fled her home country of Iran in 1993 after the Iranian regime executed her husband. She brought her three children to Australia after a long journey in 1996.
This International Women's Day, I can't help but reflect on women's strength worldwide, especially in my homeland, Iran. I want to thank these brave women for leading this change. I am hopeful that there may finally be change after all these years.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
Raising a young (three and a half year old) woman, International Women's Day has never meant so much to me. I want my daughter to live in a world where women are considered equal (or superior) in every sense of the word. I look up to the strong women that came before me, those I work with now who are making significant waves, and the future generation that will charge ahead and seal the gender pay gap soon!
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women's Day represents opportunity. To be equal contributors to our community & planet. To lift fellow women into chasing possibilities. Celebrating our achievements and discovering inner contentment, over comparison to others. We are all unique and have our own special journey.
What is the action or decision you’ve made that you're most proud of?
To have children while starting a business. Back myself and have a real go at shaping my own unique life. Surround myself with beautiful supportive and uplifting friendships; Both in and out of my workplace.
How can women better empower each other to succeed?
Women can better empower other women simply by bringing them along - showing, teaching, inspiring and investing in more lives than their own and doing it without the expectation of something in return is true leadership.
Why do you think diversity and inclusion in the workplace is so important?
At the most basic level, diversity and inclusion in the workplace is important because it's how we evolve. Surrounding ourselves with a diverse range of life experience and varied world views enables us to break free of a homogenised existence that ultimately breeds narrow mindedness. Likewise and more importantly, how someone identifies, their background, physical capacity or whatever it is that someone else would deem ‘different’, should not impede their experience or professional development. The need for diversity and inclusion within society exists only because it hasn’t happened thus far, so we are dependant on more instructional structures such as the workplace to lead and normalise.
What personal or career advice have you received that’s been particularly valuable to you?
At the beginning of my career, a mentor advised, Life is long, which for me means that there is perpetual opportunity for innovation, growth and pivoting if it's what you feel you need.
Why do you think diversity and inclusion in the workplace is so important?
Because it is representative of the richness of humanity and that is the beautiful world that we live in.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
For me, it's a celebration of how my mother and her peers fought for our generation of women to stand where we are today. It's also a time to think about how far we still have to go and how many glass ceilings there still are to smash. It's also a time that I take to be truly thankful for the women who work with and support the NM business and me personally in my day to day life.
What is the action or decision you’ve made that you're most proud of?
I'm most proud of the decision to leave the fashion industry and start NM. Taking the leap and running your own business is the most fulfilling, challenging and humbling experience one could hope for and I'm so glad I made that happen.
What stigmas or adversities have you experienced in your career, industry or in life, that you see dismantled?
I really, really felt as though women were taught to make themselves smaller (when I heard the Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie excerpt in Beyonce’s ‘Flawless,’ I really felt it). I worked in a female dominated business, but it was always the men having the final say. I’m seeing that shift now, finally.
What is the action or decision you’ve made that you're most proud of?
Walking away from a toxic work environment at the age of 23. I was being taken advantage of and put in positions no one should ever be put in. When I finally spoke up I was made to feel small and as though my voice meant nothing, which is an experience shared by so many women I know. It was at that point that I realised I needed to get out- it was scary, but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
What personal or career advice have you received that's been particularly valuable to you?
Many years ago, after an experience with a friend, I came to an inspiring realisation. In life - everyone has their advantages and disadvantages. To create harmony, we must utilise our advantages to balance our weaknesses. This mantra inspires me daily.
What personal or career advice have you received that's
been particularly valuable to you?
When I started out, someone told me that 'you are your brand'. Present yourself well and focus on building solid relationships and maintaining a positive reputation with those around you. Especially within my industry, succeeding is about so much more than having a flair for fashion, it is about networking, researching and respecting people.
What is the action or decision you've made that you're
most proud of?
Becoming a parent and being a mum to my daughters Ava and Elle. As someone who has always thrived on work, they've taught me what my real purpose in life is and what counts. Professionally, having the courage to start my brand Lana Wilkinson. I am challenged daily and love what I build with my team. I'm only getting started and excited about what is to come.
Why do you think diversity and inclusion in the workplace is so important?
I think there is overwhelming pressure on businesses and culture to be diverse and inclusive. While it is extremely important for people to feel included, it is also important that we acknowledge that we can not be everything to everyone, and that is okay. We are all different with varying values, beliefs and cultures that require varying degrees of support to feel included. Through this lens of community, we can deeply support each other depending on the need of that community. As our business is based in a developing country, my need to support inclusion is framed more toward women and men being given the opportunities to support their families through education and fair wage opportunities. When we shift our lens of inclusion to support our localised communities, we are able to tailor what is needed for that community to feel supported and cared for.
What is one small act each of us can do that supports the IWD 2023 theme #EmbraceEquity?
I believe if we each take the time to reflect on how we are interacting with and supporting our communities, we are able to see what is needed or what is lacking. This could be as small as your friendship group, our workplace or the wider community. Knowing what your friends or neighbour need and supporting that is #EmbraceEquity.
What stigmas or adversities have you experienced in your career, industry or in life, that you would like to see dismantled?
I have faced the stigma that since I am a woman, I may not be as good at my job or as qualified to succeed in a career in finance. I would love to see the stigma dismantled that women must take time off to start a family. There is no expectation or need to put your career on hold, you can have it all.
What is one small act each of us can do that supports the IWD 2023 theme #EmbraceEquity?
Having conversations around salary with your girlfriends, family and work colleagues.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
IWD to me, as a cisgendered male, means listening. Listening to women's voices, doing the work and reading resources, trying to better understand the lived experiences of women from a truly intersectional and comprehensive perspective — both their ongoing greivences with the patriarcal structures I benefit from daily and the neccesary measures we need to enact to implement meaningful change, to the many successes and the tremendous strides already made thus far through feminist activism. Of course, on a personal level, it is also a day to reflect on and celebrate the strenth, intelligence and vast accomplishments of all of the incredible women who I get to call friends and who enrich my life just by inhabiting it.
Why do you think diversity and inclusion in the workplace is so important?
As a queer person of mixed-race, I fundamentally believe the need for amplifying diverse and inclusive voices runs parallel to the needs of the women's rights movement. While both causes obviously have their own very specific issues, at its core, diversity and inclusion is about gaining perspective and understanding that the human experience will never be monolithic. The more perspective we can gain, the richer our understanding of the world becomes. I will always appreciate learning about life experiences that differ from my own.