Equality is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue.
Gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive.
A gender equal world can be healthier, wealthier and more harmonious – so what’s not great about that?
The race is on for the gender equal government, gender equal media coverage, gender equal workplaces, gender equal sports coverage, more gender equality in health and wealth … so let’s make it happen.
RMCG is celebrating International Women’s Day by spotlighting RMCG’s Managing Principal, Anne-Maree Boland.
See below interview about who inspires her and what message she has for young women thinking about their careers.
What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #EachforEqual mean for you in your work life?
International Women’s Day is about celebrating the contribution of women and striving for equality in the workplace.
Why did you choose to become a scientist?
I have always been curious about the world in which we live and wanted to understand how biological systems work and what makes people tick.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career in science?
It is important that women play to their strengths – I was often a minority in discussions but had a keen interest in sustainability and working with people – this often set me apart from my male counterparts and was a real positive.
What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women?
The biggest issue for women is gaining equality and celebrating the qualities of women – not women trying to be like men. The workplace needs to adapt to attract and promote women – flexibility is essential and something that RMCG have done so well over many years.
Who has been the biggest influence of your success?
I have had many great mentors throughout my career – both male and female. People who have been willing to take a risk in promoting/supporting me and been generous with their advice and time. My mum (a pocket rocket) is a strong woman and faced many adversities with grace, humour and determination. She also encouraged me to be the best version of myself and that anything is possible.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? Is it important that we have one?
I believe that it is worth pausing to think about our progress on gender equality. I fear we are slipping backwards and having two daughters this is concerning. We (RMCG) have always promoted gender equality – but what more should we be doing and how can we lead other businesses.
Who are your female icons?
I have always been impressed by committed and intelligent women who demonstrate strong leadership including Julia Gillard, Michelle Obama, and Rosie Batty and a few netballers Laura Geitz and Kate Moloney (the old and new guard).
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Working in the natural resource management/agriculture sector is enormously fulfilling and the sense of “making a difference” provides a strong sense of purpose. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is really important. I generally feel that our work environment is gender blind, although every now and then I will be reminded that perhaps this is not the case in the broader workplace.
Don’t try to change how you approach and think about issues – play to your strengths and bring in some different views and personality traits. Also remember that you are the one person who is the most interested in your career – so be brave and take those risks.