The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is Break the Bias - “For decades, women have been dedicating their lives to creating an equal world. A world that is diverse and inclusive. A world free of bias, stereotype and discrimination. A world where difference is valued and celebrated."
On a day like today, we thought it would only be fitting to chat to two powerhouse women we have had the pleasure of working with over the past year - Neri, Brand Manager & Designer of Ottway The Label, and Marie, a visual storyteller.
N: I think it’s a very interesting topic as everyone is biased in some way, consciously or unconsciously. It is important to identify and work to consciously reduce personal bias. I look forward to a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, where there is no discrimination and we all feel one. Love the theme of this year - a gender-equal world.
M: I think that as a woman it is important to not underestimate our value, importance and the impact we have in this world. To me, breaking the bias means that we need to break all sorts of discrimination, segregation and stereotypes by creating this shift of acceptance and inclusivity within men and women from all backgrounds of life, as much as possible. To me, it also means to show appreciation for women, as it should be and it should have always been. It is important to be a voice for women who cannot be a voice for themselves. Breaking the bias to me is also about breaking stereotypes and embracing strengths. Not everyone’s strengths look the same, as one of my favourite authors once said: "My “strong” might not look like her strong, and that is more than okay. Because we are not the same. So my strength will not look the same." - Morgan Harper Nichols.
I love how she portrays that it's about embracing our personal strength and being able to recognize the strength in another and to celebrate each other’s strengths, therefore, breaking the bias.
What challenges have you been faced with as a woman? How did you overcome them?
I would probably give my younger self this quote from Dr. Seuss to reflect on: "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." - Dr. Seuss.
And to add to that, I would also want to tell my younger self that nothing is impossible. No dream is unachievable. And that my joy cannot be found in a person, possession or profession. My true joy can only be found by authentically being who I am uniquely created to be.
Like the boots that these wonderful women are wearing?