Workplace equality promoted at EEAA 2020 International Women’s Day Breakfast

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) 2020 International Women’s Day Breakfast promoted equality for women of all ages in the workplace under the #eachforequal global theme.

EEAA Chief Executive Claudia Sagripanti led an insightful panel discussion that focussed on encouraging businesses to share ownership for driving change and the important role equality plays as a business enabler in creating social and economic wealth.

Sagripanti noted “a carefully selected panel of women were invited to share their inspirational stories as we explored the #eachforequal global theme, with a focus on ageism, bias against the young and the old and employability of people of all ages.”

The EEAA created this event initially in 2014 and has continued their commitment to focussing on the important role women play in the business events sector. This year’s event was sold out with over 100 people attending the breakfast at Doltone House Hyde Park.

The EEAA continued to support two good causes through this event via a donation to UN Women and supporting Fitted for Work – an important organisation that helps women who have been disadvantaged get into the workforce – so they can have economic independence.

Creative Director of Origami Flight and interdisciplinary storyteller, Daz Chandler gave a thought-provoking keynote address that encouraged the use of imagination as a tool that enables thinking about how things could be better in a different world. Drawing on the principles of popular literature and imaginary world societies including JK Rowling and Harry Potter, she encourages a parallel thought process that creates alternate paths and futures.

Chandler noted “International Women’s Day encourages everyone to engage with human rights and humanitarianism. We live in a world that is deeply entrenched in hierarchies with discriminatory principles in place. We must do better.”

Chandler also stressed the need to break down reductive systems that are in place and to “stop thinking there is a link between gender and ability”.

Full Time Lives, Founder and Chief Executive, Natalie Yan-Chatonsky talked about her recent experience on the Diversity council for Finisia and  highlighted the disparity between attitudes of people in financial services. She also emphasised the need to “make sure men are part of the diversity conversation in all workplaces and that they understand what needs to be done”.

Harry the Hirer Senior Business Development Manager, Christine Kotsis talked about how to go about building your networks, and shared with the audience the impact of her involvement with the EEAA Young Stars program.

Kotsis highlighted that “joining the EEAA Young Stars was a fantastic program that enabled me to build up my confidence, my personal brand and get my name out in the industry. From a young age, I had established relationships with the EEAA board, senior members of the industry, and my network really grew.”

ICC Sydney Director of Finance and Administration, Erica Blythe added that “it is important for women to bring their whole self to work – it’s what clients and teammates want. If you love your job and really immerse yourself in the role, you will get noticed.”

Images courtesy of EEAA. Credit Homepix Photography.