Powernet Celebrates International Women’s Day

Powernet is a proud supporter of International Women’s Day. First celebrated globally in 1911 to press for gender parity, the day belongs to not just women, but everyone who cares about equal human rights regardless of gender.

On March 8, as people all over the world celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s time to closely look into how women have risen above and beyond many gender-based road blocks. In spite of these issues, an increasing number of women today continue to break through the glass ceiling and rise to top executive positions. We’re also seeing more men in the community supporting women and pushing for gender equality as well.

Powernet recently conducted a survey asking women about their current company roles, their best career highlights, the women who inspire them, and how they contribute to achieving gender parity.

What we found

Michele Moore, a Team Leader at Powernet, answered that the highlight in her career was the opportunity to move from a Systems Engineer role into her current position as a Team Leader with no previous experience. The company took the chance on a returning staff member back from maternity leave and working part-time. Michele shares that this has been the most challenging but rewarding role she had had and she looks forward to growing as a leader.

Svetlana Mironova, an Accounts Payable & Payroll Officer, shares that her career highlight was establishing a career in Australia after being a practising Accountant in Russia for many years.

Zarina Bibby, National Finance and Administration Manager at Hunter Express, adds that she was promoted to her current role within a five-month period as a result of her achievements saving the company thousands of dollars in overdraft fees and managing their cash flow better.

Michelle Powell, an Office Manager at The CFO Solution, shares that a career milestone for her was managing a division with 185 team members and introducing and implementing a green initiative that was nationally implemented across the firm, of which she received an award for.

When asked about what they value the most in their current role, Alanna Kane, Powernet’s General Manager and Head of Operations says:

“Being able to influence and shape the direction of the company as well as develop future leaders. The business we've built and what we're planning to build in the future is truly exciting and it's an honour and privilege to be a part of it.”

Like Alanna, most women responded that it was important for them to be able to use their skills to help their companies achieve its goals, contribute to and lead company initiatives while being able to help steer the company in the right direction.

All women also shared a common response in saying that it is the support of their colleagues and managers, and the continuous learning and professional growth they experience in their companies that matter the most to them.

Powerful women continue to inspire other women. One survey respondent quips that attending Telstra’s Business Women awards has given her the opportunity to meet a lot of inspiring ladies that keeps her driven and motivated. In fact, many women in the survey have been inspired by driven and strong female leaders that they’ve worked under. They continue to draw inspiration from the way these women handled their teams, managed a crisis, and drive their business to success. They’ve noted that in most of these instances, powerful women leaders always lead with empathy and strength. They also take the time to mentor and support others.

Making a Pledge to #PressforProgress

In line with the theme for International Women’s Day to #PressforProgress, Powernet encourages its employees and people everywhere to wear their purple International Women’s Day ribbons on the day to support UN Women and the work they do to help women and children in need overseas.

To Victoria Pollard, Head of Finance at Powernet, unconscious bias is a large barrier to gender parity. She believes that we can all press for progress by challenging assumptions and statements that seek to limit women.

Anyone can be an agent of change by taking a moment to commit to positive progressive actions in 2018 through the Press For Progress movement.

Powernet supports women locally and all over the world and believes that it takes everyone involved and our collective actions to push for gender inclusivity.

Empowering Women in Business

At Powernet, we believe in empowering all the women in business with the support they need to get their business and organisations to scale. Through providing the right IT support and superior tailored technology solutions, we add value to businesses, their clients and ensure business continuity now and into the future.