Jodie Blake, Ventia's Group Executive People, Safety & Culture shares her reflections ahead of International Women's Day 2023.

This article was orginally posted on LinkedIn by Jodie and has been republished here with her permission. 

As we approach another International Women's Day, it's been interesting to observe the differing views of the day. 

Has the day become overly commercialised?

Shouldn't female participation be a focus 365 days of the year, not just on one day? 

Are we diverting attention from the day's original purpose?  

From my perspective, days of significance in the calendar can contribute positively, as they create a burning platform.  

Organsiations play a significant role in shaping the narrative and contributing to the solution.  

At Ventia, we use International Women's Day as opportunity to educate, highlight the challenges, drive awareness, seek feedback and also celebrate success. 

Whilst our broad focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is woven into our strategy, policies and day to day operations - just imagine the impact of 15,000 employees - talking, acknowledging and questioning with collective intent? 

We don't have all the answers, but Ventia is a big employer across Australia and New Zealand, and with that comes responsibility. 
 

^{Organsiations play a significant role in shaping the narrative and contributing to the solution.}

Just last month, Ventia officially announced its commitment to greater gender balance as part of the HESTA 40:40 Vision.  

The HESTA 40:40 Vision brings together a group of publicly listed Australian companies who pledge to increase the proportion of women in senior leadership roles in their workforce to at least 40% by 2030.

Ventia has committed to achieving 40% women, 40% men and 20% any gender in leadership roles across the business by 2030. We are also targeting 40% female participation across our entire business, not just in senior roles. 

Our announcement generated significant commentary from our people. And that fills me with renewed encouragement. Our people are interested and curious. They want to see change and they want to lean in, and help be part of the solution.

_{Our people are interested and curious. They want to see change and they want to lean in, and help be part of the solution.}  

Which leads me to my next point. Don't underestimate your personal power. 

Regardless of the gender we identify with, everybody has spheres of influence.

From the board room, a worksite, at home and within your community - we are the creators of our society. 

We are all leaders - whether we want to be or not. There is always someone we are influencing - either leading them to good - or away from good.
- Leif Erikson

This International Women's Day, I will not be striking a pose. 

But I will be championing for the women in my network. 

I will be celebrating their success. 

I will be campaigning for change. 

And I will be role modelling. 

Today and every day.