We Women Empowerment_ Trinidad Guardian Newspaper

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PICTURE: KENRICK RAMPIAL, SILVERPIN STUDIO WARDROBE: CLAUDIA PEGUS DESIGNS

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Women Empowering Women DIXIE-ANN DICKSON President

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nternational Women’s Day (IWD) is taking place during unprecedented times. The world is in its second year of the COVID-19 Pandemic and presently, we find ourselves on the brink of what could be another devastating World War. It is against this backdrop that The Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago (AFETT), as part of the international community, is celebrating IWD 2022 and the theme, “#BreaktheBias”. This theme should resonate with each person reading this article.

It has been widely ventilated that women have been the biggest casualties of this pandemic. In April 2020, the United Nations (UN) published the “Policy Brief: The Impact of COVID-19 on Women” in it, the UN warns, “even the limited gains made in the past decades are at risk of being rolled back” due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. AFETT believes that these regressive steps can be halted by collectively calling out “gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping” each time we see it.

AFETT calls on Trinidad and Tobago and the international community to: • #BreakTheBias of inequitable hiring practices, • #BreakTheBias of unequal pay between men and women, and • #BreakTheBias of stereotyping victims of gender-based violence.

#BreakTheBias of inequitable hiring practices

Women often face inequity in hiring practices. Interviewers are sometimes biased against women who have responsibilities outside of the workplace such as childcare, eldercare or other responsibilities. Actually, this is protected in law under the Equal Opportunities Act and recruiters cannot ask personal questions about marital status, or how many children you have etc. However, women are still more likely to be asked intrusive personal questions in job interviews and are often subjected to a higher burden of proof with regard to their qualifications and competence.

Women are also less likely to be interviewed for jobs traditionally considered to be jobs dominated by men. AFETT believes that interviews should be standardized with objective criteria set before hand, gender and other demographic markers should be removed from resumes before being viewed by interviewers to ensure objectivity and neutrality in the selection process. Personal and demographic data should not be included on resumes. We encourage more education and training with respect to job applications and interview process with women in mind.

#BreakTheBias of unequal pay

In 2021, women in Trinidad and Tobago were reported to make only 54% of the in-

come received by men . The rest of the Caribbean did not fare much better. In Guyana, women made 39% of the income received by men and in Jamaica women made 63% of the salaries of their male counterparts. This cannot be allowed to continue.

AFETT is calling for a narrowing of the wage gap, we believe that there is no legitimate reason for such discriminative practices to continue. Employers should undertake a review of their compensation data regularly to ensure that any patterns of income discrepancies between men and women are removed. Moreover, greater emphasis on job evaluation will play a more significant role in this regard. It starts with how jobs are valued as some industries are feminized and often the job is priced differently.

DIXIE-ANN DICKSON President

AFEISHA MC CAIN Membership Director

#BreakTheBias against stereotyping victims of gender-based violence

Trinidad and Tobago has experienced unprecedented levels of reports of violence against women and girls. In 2021, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Crime and Problem Analysis Division reported a “78% year-on-year increase in domestic violence reports between March and August 2020”.

While the months of “May, June and July 2020 saw staggering upsurges of 113%, 149% and 132% respectively”. These victims of violence could be anyone, there is no exclusive typology of a victim of gender-based violence. AFETT condemns these acts of violence against women as well as the very damaging stereotyping of victims that often accompanies the process of them sharing their stories. All victims of gender-based violence need to be supported, loved and protected regardless of their socio-economic status, ethnicity, religion or geographic location.

As part of a global community, we are called upon to call out all instances of bias, discrimination, and injustice when we come across them. Let the message of IWD 2022 remind us that everyone has a role to play in breaking-the-bias and contributing to the collective improvement of our societies.

AFETT will continue to play its part in advocating and lobbying in the public policy space on issues that cause vulnerability for women and girls and which hinders their professional and personal growth, providing professional and personal development through our various initiatives, networking and leadership forum to advance, develop and motivate women in living their true potential, as well as providing mentorship and life skills training for our young girls through our social outreach programmes and AFETT’s Youth Arm initiatives.

It is our hope that the projects that AFETT undertakes, the persons whom we mentor, the campaigns which we pilot will have a wider ripple effect on community and country. As such, we invite all women to join the Association in strengthening capacities and creating a safe space for women that can ultimately lead to positive change. Contact us via email-membership.afett@gmail.com or afettsecretary@gmail.com.

PATRIES RAMKARAN Fundraising Director

SHERLEEN YOUNGGRIFFITH Finance Director DESREE JACK Secretary

SIMONE FRANCOIS-WHITTIKER RPA Director

MELENA SIMON-O’NEIL President Elect

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Dr. Maryam Abdool- Richards

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Committed to Country

here are several powerhouses who we recognize as shaping the landscape and future of Trinidad and Tobago.

She gives of her time and expertise unwaveringly with courage, resilience and style. In commemoration of IWD, the WE magazine welcomed the opportunity to have a deep dive with Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards.

career. It’s about strategic planning at a personal level. It is about visualizing where you want to be and holding yourself accountable in attaining those goals. It is about being more focused and intentional about what you believe you ought to be.

It is important to understand the value of community in achieving those goals. I do believe that no one truly achieves success alone.

Success is a community effort and I have been fortunate to have a community around me and the strong support of trusted friends and mentors.

1. What is your WHY?

My journey has been one of continuous learning and melding of experiences to achieve excellence in my endeavours.

Put simply – I care. I care about helping others to lead happy and healthy lives, I care about a society where we can all feel a sense of belonging and where we can each contribute towards a better society. That conviction has been an integral part

CPL’s Valentine Day Donation to THE SHELER

BreakTheBias PICTURE:

KENRICK RAMPAUL, SILVERPIN STUDIO

of my work as physician and today that carries over into my duties and accountabilities as PMO and board responsibilities.

Over time I have seen that there is a clear interdependency of public sector and private sector systems and that there is tremendous value to be had from collaboration.

2. While the country knows you, as one of the faces at the MOH, you contribute at diverse levels with NGOs - HEROES Foundation and The Shelter. How have those roles deepened your alignment to servant leadership?

The term servant leadership is an interesting one and it confronts the dilemma of leadership and what constitutes responsibility and accountability. Leadership is about using knowledge and experience for the greater good – be it an institution or a company or an organisation. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified societal inequities and working closely to empower women and children is key to navigating the post COVID -19 recovery.

My work with NGOs is very much connected to my concerns about building a healthy society – not just from a medical perspective, but wholistically. I choose organisations that focus on empowering women and children.

The Heroes Foundation affords me the opportunity to mentor young women and young men in the student population and to nurture an interest in science based or STEM careers. This organisation is doing tremendous work in developing leadership skills among our youth.

The Shelter has been an impor-

5. The theme for International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias What is the most important message you want to send out to young women on IWD?

Women have made tremendous progress in the current workspace, locally, regionally, and globally. As tant part of my life because it has given me the chance to interact in- a specialist physician, with working timately with individuals who have experience on multiple boards in different industries, I have had the been abused and unjustly treated.

It also allows me to help in the heal- pleasure to work alongside numering process of women and children ous industrious and driven women.

My message is to encourage collabwho are broken, and to provide oration and to emphasize that there them with the right coping tools and mechanisms to break free from is room at the table for all those willing to work hard. As a society, cycles of abuse. our goal should be to work collaboratively for a better Trinidad and 3. Why do you think diversity in Tobago and a stronger Caribbean. the workplace is so important?

The issue of diversity continues to progress significantly especially given the emphasis on Environmental, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) goals. Today we have done a much better job of bringing women into the board room and to the leadership table.

More than 40% of the workforce in Trinidad & Tobago is female.

While men and women may bring different perspectives and ideas to the same challenges, these differences can allow for better and more appropriate solutions to societal problems and business challenges.

The nature of the issues facing governments and business in a post-pandemic context require a multifaceted and inclusive approach. Women tend to be more sensitive to the wider impact of decisions made at the corporate table and inclusive participation is going to be important as we recalibrate to a new way of working and being family.

4. How can we encourage more women to pursue leadership roles in their career?

I believe a key factor in achieving professional success is to set clear, short- and long-term objectives that you would like to achieve in your

Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards PICTURE: KENRICK RAMPAUL, SILVERPIN STUDIO

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Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow Sharifa Ali-Abdullah

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f we took away barriers to women’s leadership, we would solve the climate change problem a lot faster” - Mary Robinson, 7th President of Ireland. This quote highlights the need for women as leaders on critical issues that impact climate change. In a world where gender sensitivity promotes equality and recognizes the fluidity of gender roles, women must be singled out and supported as champions of

climate change based on the unequal impact climate events have on them.

International Women’s Day 2022 acknowledges the thematic approach of “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. This theme follows on from the COP 26 in Glasgow in November 2021, where it was identified that women and girls, particularly those facing intersecting inequalities, are poised, to bring their talents and leadership to bear on executing strategies for climate change at all levels. This view is consistent with findings of a Gender Analysis in Trinidad and Tobago which identified gaps in policy, decision-making power, and resource allocation where women’s involvement in climate change is concerned. The analysis

confirmed what we suspected that the country has weak mandate provisions for gender-responsive approaches in the national strategic planning and policy frameworks for climate change.

It further stated that “women and gender-focused NGOs are not included in institutional mechanisms for planning and monitoring of climate change mitigation activities”.

We at the UNDP in Trinidad and Tobago, to close these gaps have identified several projects

to accelerate the inclusion and participation of women. There is an intentional bias to have women included as community advocates and leaders, who are upskilled within project frameworks.

Gender markers are featured in project plans as substantial key performance indicators to ensure that roadblocks to women’s leadership are addressed and in the best cases nullified.

Capacity building through training at the organizational and community level is also a key feature of project implementation for sustainability of UNDP projects.

Through its Energy, Environment and Disaster Management portfolio, in two projects funded by the European Union (EU), women and girls are engaged: the GCCA+ project on renewable energy which

involves solar panel installations in remote communities and the Community Flood Early Warning System Project which will see installations of early warning systems in flood prone areas.

I am confident that the development work of the UNDP will promote the positioning of women to mitigate climate change and we stand ready to continue to support Government and other key stakeholders to completely close the gap and eliminate the bias!

Sharifa Ali-Abdullah Assistant Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme

Imagine a world free of Bias

RABBIA KHAN President, InterClub

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nternational Women’s Day, March 8th is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The day also marks a call for accelerating gender parity.

This year, the United Nations International Women’s Day theme is #BreakTheBias which highlights the importance of challenging biases and misconceptions in the interest of creating a more inclusive and gender-equal world.

What does #BreakTheBias mean?

Bias is automatically making judgements based on assumptions formed by all experiences, not only direct personal experience. Several factors such as cultural conditioning, media

portrayals, and upbringing can contribute to the implicit associations that people form about social groups. By changing the way, we think about women, we can achieve a world of gender parity.

This year’s theme aims to bring awareness to the gender biases women face every day in all walks of life. Women make enormous contributions to economies, whether in business, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home. Gender bias refers to the preferential treatment of men, whether deliberate or unconscious, and it is holding back women from reaching their full potential.

aspirations of girls and their parents, empower mothers, assign proper value to “women’s work”, provide women with opportunities to achieve economic success and give women the platform to be in power.

Involvement at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to have an impact globally.

The InterClub of T&T (an

umbrella organization of 17 Women’s Service groups), has participated at the CSW through four of its members-The Network of NGO’s for the Advancement of Women, The Network of Rural Women Producers, The National Muslim Women’s Organisation and CCoTT: CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) Committee of T&T.

UN WOMEN SHARES “IMAGINE A WORLD FREE OF BIAS, STEREOTYPES AND DISCRIMINATION; A WORLD THAT IS DIVERSE, EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE; A WORLD WHERE DIFFERENCE IS VALUED AND CELEBRATED.”

Knowing that bias exists is not enough. We all need to take action, with men as allies, and advocate and champion for change.

We can #BreakTheBias by coming together collectively to advocate and take action by lobbying the Government for the formation and implementation of laws promoting both equality and equity. A focus on equity bridges the gaps in equality through laws and policies and gender-focused programs that don’t just level the playing field, but also work to change the culture to be more supportive of women. We can encourage the private sector to make their corporate policy more gender sensitive.

As a society we can raise the

Executive Board of The InterClub of T&T (2019-2022).

Back Row (left to right) Mona Khan, Patricia Campbell, Jan Bocas Ryan, Sylvia Rose Ann Walker, Soraya Khan Front Row (left to right) Donna Ali, Justine Aboud Chamely, Rabbia Khan (President), Bernadine Warrick

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Habitat TT launches

Service with Courage and Grace

Jowelle De Souza

“HUGELY PROUD of Jowelle de Souza who today became the first openly LGBTQ+ citizen of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to serve our Nation in the Senate! Congratulations Jowelle! BRAVA! An asset to our community and to our Nation!”

Jason Jones, February 15th 2022.

“I believe in equal opportunities for all: the disabled, the senior citizens, single mothers, single fathers, the impoverished, the abused. My focus has been strengthening the voice of those without. Becoming a Senator is monumental, as I know it would be the best platform for human, social and animal rights, thus, I am using this platform to start this most important contribution. I want to effectively represent the people without any biases.” Senator, the Honourable Jowelle de Souza shares.

National Awardee of Trinidad and Tobago

The newly appointed temporary Senator was awarded the Bronze Hummingbird Medal in 2014 for her selfless work in Animal Welfare and Protection. Preserving the rights of animals, is second nature to De Souza who uses every platform to encourage persons to properly care for animals.

Championing the revitalization of San Fernando, has also been part of her national development vision, being a successful businesswoman for over two decades.

Serve with Authenticity & Bravery

She encourages women to become more involved in leadership roles, to serve with authenticity and bravery and has been involved in several mentorship and professional Senator JowelleDeSouza development initiatives for Women. “My journey is a special one, I did what most people in this word would not dare to do and that is stand up for what I believe in, so that others would be able to understand different is not a bad thing.”

De Souza shares, “I have had many impacting experiences, meeting Janet Reno, who served as Attorney General for the US, is certainly one of them. She transformed the Judiciary System, revising several rules and regulations for criminal procedures.

She used her platform to make a difference!”

Jowelle De Souza shares, “the most important message is never give up! Be the protector and defender of human rights, upholding universal values of democracy, freedom, justice, equality and good governance! Believe in yourself and bravely go after your passions!

HUGELY PROUD of Jowelle de Souza who today became the first openly LGBTQ+ citizen of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to serve our Nation in the Senate! Congratulations Jowelle! BRAVA! An asset to our community and to our Nation!

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Resilience SHElter campaign

helter for some is a place of refuge but according to the United Nations, for millions around the world, the shelter they know exists in life- or health threatening conditions, or in other conditions which do not uphold their human rights and their dignity. Amongst these millions, women stand out as especially vulnerable when it comes to issues of land tenure.

Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago (Habitat TT), in close partnership with the POS City Corporation (POSCC), has over the past year undertaken the project, “Accelerating the Essentials and Making Port of Spain a Resilient City 2030”, funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and under this project now launches “SHElter”- A Land Empowerment Campaign for Women.

“This project is aimed at city resilience; “My city is getting ready!”

- Making Cities Resilient (MRC) Campaign It includes harnessing data from the community members, toward a strong Action Plan that will allow for a more resilient capital city, with the involvement of state and nonstate actors to accelerate the pathway: Cities KNOWing better, Cities PLANNing better, and Cities IMPLEMENTing better, to making Port of Spain a Resilient City 2030.

To build a resilient city we need to focus on its people.

This project provided for capacity building and empowerment of community members through training programmes such as Disaster Risk Reduction, and Healthy Housing Practices. Data for strong decision making came from the community members, through the Participatory Approach to Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA). From this approach we observed that in the communities surrounding POS over 60% of heads of households were women and noted that having the security of tenure is directly proportional to the increased resilience of persons.

This is owing to the fact that residents are more willing to invest in their properties by improving housing conditions should they own the land they live on.”

- Graciela Boodoo, Programme Coordinator - Habitat TT

Architect for Change Kathryn Stollmeyer Wight,

Architect for Change Dr. Safeeya Mohammed

Architect for Change Philomena Alexis-Baptiste (Philo)

Habitat TT’s “SHElter” campaign aims to help strengthen the resilience of women and guide them toward the tools, resources and information available in the process of property ownership and includes a petition to generate 4000 signatures in support of more private, public and civil sector facilities, educational opportunities, resources and programs to be made available for the empowerment of women to become landowners, utilizing the support of our Architects for Change Dr. Safeeya Mohammed, Kathryn Stollmeyer Wight, Philomena Alexis-Baptiste (Philo), Ken Corbie and Peter Harris. They have served the organization diligently over the years giving of their time, expertise and being ambassadors, promoting the programs and initiatives of Habitat TT. “Habitat TT and Habitat for Humanity International, advocate on a daily basis for the

basic human right to land and shelter access. Given our gender drive, moreso to advocate for the rights of our women globally and locally. This is because we do believe that if women are given this basic land right, it will transform our society by leaps and bounds. Women not only will create a greater productivity level, but will add to national development in profound ways; increased entrepreneurial activities, increased efforts to push their children to greater educational opportunities and will also lend to better health, because of their increased access to better living conditions. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary in March 2022, and International Women’s Day, what a fitting time to add our voices in a stronger way via this women empowerment campaign.”

- Jennifer Massiah, National Director - Habitat TT Submitted by: Kevon Foderingham & Dominique Roy SHElter Campaign Communication Consultants

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Magnificent Maggie Impacts Lives Maggie Yorke

We are all blessed with some type of talent, all it takes is for you to develop and use that particular talent to bring about positive change.

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am originally from Trinidad and ever since I could recollect, I always had a dream of making an impact on peoples’ lives.

At the age of nine, I remember making clothes out of the Guardian Newspaper and hosting fashion shows to entertain my parents and neighbours, along with the rest of my family on Sunday evenings for fun.

They would all sit in the living room, as they adored my sister’s modelling outfit, made out of newspapers including dresses, skirts, hats and shoes etc.

My mom, who was my mentor, is in heaven now, but I learnt most of my sewing skills and how to use the sewing machine from her.

I smiled when I learnt that I will be featured in the Guardian Newspaper, knowing as a child I played with it so much. It gives my heart great joy knowing that I could actually tell my story, about my childhood days. It’s Karma how certain things have come full circle, my life with Guardian Newspaper.

I have learnt throughout life that when you are driven and determined, these characteristics will eventually bring you success. I was eager to achieve more in life and to make a difference. I found myself trying new ventures, which motivated me to become more in life; and this is how I became the successful business woman I am today.

My belief is that life is like a jigsaw puzzle; once you start putting the pieces into the right places, life becomes much clearer and easier to understand and manoeuvre.

We are all blessed with some type of talent, all it takes is for you to develop and use that particular talent to bring about positive change.

The optimistic and driven young lady I was and still am today, would not let anyone discourage me no matter what my plans were. But that was as a result of always staying focused and persevering toward my goals.

When I migrated to the USA, I studied fashion designing, merchandising and modelling, only to be told after graduation from modelling school, that I was too short to model professionally. My dreams were temporary crushed, but I never gave up on my goals, because I was not designed to be a quitter.

Thereafter, I became a licensed cosmetologist (make up artist) and worked with some of the top cosmetics companies in New York.

Eventually, through the love for cosmetics and a few years later, I was able to give birth to a new business called YORKE COSMETICS, proudly bearing my name.

Here are five areas I would advise anyone, if desirous of being successful:

1. You must believe in yourself I will, I can and I must.

2. Surround yourself with positive

people, sharing similar interests.

3. Use your time and talents wisely.

4. Seek help whenever needed, do not be afraid or ashamed to ask.

5. Rest if you need to, but do not quit.

Magnificent Maggie Email: Yorkecosmeticsmy@gmail.com Website: www.Maggieyorke.com

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BLISS Safety Store Celebrates 10 years

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en Lomond Industrial & Safety Solutions Ltd. (BLISS Ltd.) is a leading supplier of high performance Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Oil & Gas, Industrial, Construction, Manufacturing and general safety markets in Trinidad & Tobago.

Since our inception in 2012, we have expanded across three retail outlets throughout South Trinidad as well as a manufacturing facility where we produce standard protocol and custom safety garments.

As we enter our 10th year of operations, we are proud to include a 90,000 sq ft Warehousing and Administration Complex located at Rochard Douglas Road, Barrackpore, to our list of achievements.

To ensure compliance with our industrial clientele we became STOW certified in February 2021.

We are also affiliated or members of local and international bodies that add value to our business and our customers. The brands we proudly carry are based on the needs of our valued customers to guarantee safety, style and comfort. Each brand we carry complies with the respective standards of their region, ASTM/ANSI (USA), CE (Europe), CSA (Canada) and TTBS (Trinidad & Tobago) where applicable.

Our goal is to ensure your safety with certified gear from internationally tested and proven brands. We serve customers with dedication to their safety, product knowledge and quality shopping experience.

It is with a sense of duty and pride that we endeavour to continue to understand, improve and expand our services to all industries and sectors our business model is built for.

Above, BLISS Ben Lomond Branch At left, BLISS South Park Branch

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Insights from Transformational Leaders Roxane de Freitas

Ambikah Mongroo

CEO, Massy Stores Trinidad

CEO, Massy Distribution Trinidad

1. How can we encourage more women to pursue leadership roles in their career?

1. Why do you think gender equality in the workplace is so important?

From my experience, gender equality benefits everyone. Diversity is important because having different and varied perspectives add value to business decisions.

The new paradigm of leadership embraces this type of mindset change as collaboration, engagement and a truly supportive structure based on authenticity, positivity and partnership at all levels.

We can help women build their confidence and encourage them to grow, both personally and professionally. We can help them seek out mentorship opportunities and keep the topic of women in leadership as top of mind in our conversations. We have so many examples to draw from, to support these conversations: Oprah, Maya Angelou, Sheryl Sandberg, Serena Williams and our own Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali, to name a few.

2. What are the most effective ways to counteract the negative stereotypes and biases associated with Women Leaders, especially in the workplace?

2. Have you faced any barriers in your career?

Yes, I have faced barriers. One was my own self-doubt. This is called the ‘gender confidence gap.’

I believe that I am my own biggest critic but with the love and support of a wide network I learned to put it behind me and step forward. I would encourage women to consider joining a professional association. You would be surprised to find out how many like-minded women are around. I belong to the International Women’s Forum Trinidad and Tobago, IWFTT, is part of a global organization of women leaders, and we meet to share, learn, and support each other while building lasting friendships. Having a network of supportive women is invaluable.

I am very proud that at Massy Stores we have created and sustained such a network through a program called L.I.F.E- Lessons In Female Empowerment which has positively impacted over 300+ of our female associates. In fact, we launched the 13th installment of this program this week. The program creates a safe space for women of Massy Stores to be a part of guided, developmental conversations on several topics including mental and physical wellness, coping with trauma, building self-esteem and relationships.

3. What can men do to help within an organization to achieve equality?

From the boardroom men can champion and drive the HR/talent agenda, at every level within the organization, ensuring that benefits allow for both women and men to have a balanced life – benefits such as working from home, maternity/paternity leave, etc.

The theme for International

The theme for International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias - What is the most important message you would like to share to young women everywhere?

• Own your brand. Develop a vision for yourself and share it.

• Engage the guys. Share your vision with your male counterparts and you may yet find some of your biggest supporters.

• Embrace your difference. Never dismiss what sets you apart.

• Lift up other women. Reach out to other younger women and give them a hand up.

Use #BreakTheBias to build a platform of awareness and advocacy. What does breaking the bias mean to me? As the first female CEO at Unilever Caribbean and now leading Massy Stores Trinidad it’s part of my story. I know that I am a work in progress and so far I am enjoying the journey.

Let me close with this quote “What we think we become, it is the power that makes us believe we can do. Act as though You Are and You will Be.” (author unknown).

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

I believe women need to see themselves as not fitting into any mould created for them. It starts with looking into that mirror every morning and not setting boundaries or walls for yourself in terms of a job, or what people expect a woman to be or not be or do or not do in the workplace. Once you see beyond that, it becomes easier to counter the stereotypes created for women in some workplaces.

3. How do you succeed in a male dominated environment?

I started my career in oil and gas which was predominantly male but joined the Massy Group 19 years ago where I spent most of my career.

While the Leadership composition was male dominated then, it evolved very quickly over the years to a more balanced one. I am so proud to say today that we have 6 women on our Massy Distribution Leadership team, out of a team of 11.

I decided very early on in my career that I would challenge myself and seek out opportunities that would allow me to grow, learn from everyone around me and really try to be the very best at what I do. This is what I do even today, I constantly challenge myself not to be afraid to say what I want, to make it known what’s the next role or that next challenge that I desire. Once I set my mind to it, I go after it. For me, success starts with the individual and having that burning desire to achieve your boldest ambitions, not being afraid to let your voice and your aspirations be known while being surrounded by people who want you to succeed as well.

The theme for International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias - What is the most important message you would like to share to young women everywhere?

• Nothing is impossible once you have that mindset. I think a lot of our boundaries start from second guessing ourselves.

• We must really push ourselves out of our comfort zone and not be afraid to take risks, accept new challenges in order to achieve what we want in life. Nothing is wrong with wanting to be the next Manager or saying you want to be CEO, and even saying this to the current CEO; that’s how we are going to stand out in the crowd. That is the start of the journey to achieving it.

• We women must set the tone for what the workplace will look like based on our dreams and aspirations and actively pursue it. Great things never come from comfort zones.

• We need to trust ourselves more and take chances. Once we do that, nothing….…absolutely nothing will stop us!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

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