Embracing Equity: The Path Forward on International Women's Day

“For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s all fully #EmbraceEquity. Each one of us can actively support and embrace equity within our sphere of influence. Everyone everywhere can play a part. Collectively, we can all forge positive change.” IWD 2023.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time to celebrate the progress that women have made in breaking down barriers and achieving equality. But it is also an opportunity to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equity. This International Women’s Day, let’s embrace the idea of equity and recommit ourselves to the work that needs to be done to create a world where women have equal opportunities and are valued for their contributions. By working together, we can create a world where every woman has the chance to reach her full potential.

Born of necessity, built for inclusivity

1000 Mile Travel Group (1000MTG) co-CEO and founder Ben Ross noticed that many parents could not return to the traditional side of travel and that commuting, working from an office, and within a structured 9-5 setting, didn’t offer them the lifestyle they craved.

“With women accounting for around 78% of the travel industry, we were highly aware that if something didn’t change, we were at risk of losing an amazingly talented, and experienced cohort of advisors and that’s how 1000MTG was born, to allow parents to do what they love while spending time with those they love,” says Ross.

Promoting equity and inclusivity has been at the core of 1000MTG’s values since its inception which is why the organization brought on a strong female global senior leadership team comprising SVP and General Manager, North America – Christy Shafer, General Manager, Australia – Lauren Gray, and General Manager, UK – Alex Locke, to help drive and represent the organization and the sector.

“Through our new leadership and approach, we’re showing our independent travel advisors that they too can grow their own successful and flexible travel business and that if they set their goals, and share them with us, we will help them get there. The world is literally their oyster,” says co-CEO and founder Nicola Veltman.

This mindset has also seen the organization grow rapidly, doubling its head office count in the last 12 months, and attracting an eclectic and talented workforce by hiring for diversity in skillset and behavioral profiles.

“We don’t just want to attract the best, we want to retain and support them to grow. That’s why our focus this year is on providing an array of professional development opportunities that are as diverse and interesting as our team, ranging from mentorship programs to conferences and leadership development,” says Veltman.

We asked our people from all around the globe, including the women in our leadership team, how they or someone they know contributes to progressing the theme of #EmbraceEquity and this is what they had to say…

Nicola V

“I really do believe that in life as human beings and as women we are better to lift each other up, support one another and encourage growth and development & empowerment. I was lucky enough to have a very strong matriarch in our family my grandmother who defied all odds. She was born in the early 30s a WWII child, who was dyslexic and pulled out of school at 14. She was raised by two strong women her mum and aunty who helped her survive the war years, and her inability to read and focus on her strengths.”

“My grandmother went on to start and run multiple businesses and raise children and grandchildren who graduated college and university as businesspeople, lawyers, accountants, doctors, and entrepreneurs. My grandmother taught me it doesn’t matter where you come from, it’s the belief you and others have in you that can help you succeed.”

Christy S

“I was lucky enough to have a foundation built early on that put women in leadership as a priority. My parents helped prioritize this for me early on sending me to an all-girls high school in Cincinnati. Here is where that foundation was laid and where I started to see that I could do anything I wanted regardless of my gender. As I continued through my career I had many great leaders that helped build me up and challenged me to be better. Today, I continue on that path by participating in Chief – a global network of women in senior leadership roles. We meet once a month to collaborate and guide each other through our journeys as women in a leadership role and talk about how we can continue to elevate other women around us.”

Tanya R

“I have a friend who for much of her career has worked in male-dominated industries – construction and trades. In her early 20s, she was a tiler which bemused anyone she met and often did not believe her. These days she is in a management position working for a reputable construction company leading an all-male team and was more recently nominated for a ‘women in construction’ award. I am proud of her kicking goals and demonstrating that females can pave the way in industries that have typically been predominately male and I am proud of that company for supporting, encouraging, acknowledging, and rewarding her efforts.

“This isn’t a male versus female battle, but rather an example that gender equity should and can be embraced and nurtured. Both men and women should be encouraged to pursue their ambitions and challenge gender stereotypes, especially in the workplace. The world has certainly come a long way and it is refreshing to see more and more women have a seat at the table.”

Joanna P

“Sometimes improving equity and equality in society starts with a better awareness of those around us and taking the time to understand obstacles or circumstances that are different than one’s own. I have done a lot of work in the not-for-profit sector providing education to women about domestic violence – what it is, how to identify the signs of danger, and how to get out and break the cycle. While domestic violence can and does affect all people, it is particularly increasing towards women and the statistics are very sobering. But, everyone can help turn this around by educating yourself, knowing and sharing the resources available in your local community, and letting friends and family know you are an ally and a safe person to reach out to.”

Mary Ellen H

“Embracing equity is something I’m really passionate about and have found very rewarding, especially when it comes to fostering the advancement of others. Looking back on my career I see how important mentors were to me. This included not just for career advancement but also leadership development and building my confidence. That’s why I’ve always loved this proverb – “the generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”