It’s International Women’s Day and the theme for this year is #BreakTheBias. We asked the women at iProov to share their thoughts.
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias – what does that mean to you?
Dannielle: BreakTheBias to me means to stop the old way of single-minded thinking and to fight for a more diverse and inclusive environment. We all should be working towards a world free of stereotypes and discrimination, which unfortunately a lot of people may go through. By being united and spreading awareness of the various issues there are in the world, more changes can be made.
Becca: For me, biases are one of the main drivers of how we perceive things and behave. We all have our own biases based on our experiences in life, and albeit difficult to identify sometimes, the key to our personal growth and change is seeing them, noting them and deciding to actively challenge your biases – whether it’s at work or home.
Susannah: This year’s theme ‘Break the Bias’ highlights that unconscious bias is not just a gender issue, but also sheds light on the importance of challenging discrimination and stereotyping that make it difficult for women and girls to make progress. We must do all we can to level the playing field for all women and the next generation.
Gemma: The theme of ‘Break The Bias’ encompasses not only the gender bias but all forms of discrimination people face on a daily basis. It creates a sense of unity that we should all work together to take action and create a more inclusive environment, both within the workplace and outside of it.
Sarah: I love the theme #BreakTheBias because it’s not about a particular group. It’s about encouraging people to take a moment and think “that thought I just had – would I have had the same thought if the person was younger or older, or from a different ethnic background, or a different gender?” Admitting that some bias has crept in isn’t saying you’re ageist or racist or sexist. It’s just recognizing that there are certain patterns we all fall into and sometimes they need adjusting.
What advice would you give to young women?
Dannielle: Don’t be afraid to dream big, set your goals and stay focused. Don’t allow anything to hold you back. No matter where you go in life, you will always be learning and developing yourself to be that great person you want to be.
Jasmijn: Find mentors to give you the support you need, particularly early in your career. And learn from them everything you can before deciding your own path. They don’t necessarily have to be your direct manager, and they don’t necessarily have to be women. Funnily enough for me, many of my mentors were men. I was unfortunate to have found some women in my life who held me back in my career, and fortunate to encounter men who inspire me to this day. They want me to do well, and I want them to do well. This win-win mentality is so important. Find people around you that empower you – and in turn, find ways to empower them.
Becca: Don’t hold yourself back. For example – if there’s a project you want to work on, put yourself forward; if you see an opportunity to change something, don’t wait for someone to ask you for a plan to tackle it – pull it together yourself and share it; if you feel ready for progression, don’t wait for someone to ask or tell you you’re ready – go ahead and apply for a bigger role.
Susannah: Never second guess yourself. Yes, you may make some mistakes but it is all part of the process – life is about learning. Trust your gut because when life presents you with challenges your gut will help you navigate your way through. And finally – have fun, make memories and take every opportunity that comes your way.
Gemma: Be yourself, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t worry if you make mistakes, it’s all part of the process of growing as a person. Keep learning, and be open-minded to meeting new people and having new experiences!
Feeling inspired by the Women of iProov? Become an iProover: Find out about our available roles here.
