International Women’s Day (IWD) offers all of us a chance to reflect on the progress made for and by women and to recognise the path left to walk towards true global gender equality. UN Women has declared the theme for 2022 is Changing Climates: Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow – a theme that appreciates the contributions of women and girls around the world, who are leading the way in changing the climate of gender inequality and creating a sustainable future. This is of particular importance as women and girls are more vulnerable to climate-related disasters and yet are largely ignored in developing solutions. It is important to recognise that International Women’s Day is a day for celebration and is also a day to call to action.
Female employment in tourism is relatively high compared to other industries, 2018 figures showed 54.8% of tourism and hospitality employees in Australia were female. However, despite representative employment, there are still clear inequalities for women in tourism to overcome. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact across the tourism industry, female employees were hit harder than their male counterparts. According to Tourism Research Australia, jobs held by women declined by 21%, compared with a 14% decline for jobs held by men, over the first six months of 2020. As we emerge into a new chapter of the pandemic and Australian tourism, with international travellers returning to our shores, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women in our industry.
This International Women’s Day, Ecotourism Australia would like to spotlight the incredible women on our team. For the first time in our 30-year history, Ecotourism Australia has an all-female team, CEO and chair of the board. This is an astounding achievement and something we take great pride in. Why don’t we take a moment to get to know the wonderful women at EA and reflect on what International Women’s Day means to them?
Shea, Membership Coordinator
Q. What’s your favourite part about working at EA?
A. Apart from the purpose-driven work we do, I really value the team culture. There is so much support, guidance and understanding between us and I always feel like no matter what happens the management team has got your back.
Q. Is there anyone you see as an inspiration or role model?
A. The management team has got so much experience under their belt and each of them inspires me for different reasons as they each have unique strengths and qualities. In saying that, the younger less experienced members of the team are also inspirational as they are hungry for success and their enthusiasm and motivation certainly adds to the great office vibe.
Q. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
A. Women have had to work so hard to be recognised as being equal, especially in the business world. The fact that women are faced with choices regarding family and, more often than not, are required to manage the balance between these two ‘hats’, is an extra challenge that requires strength and perseverance to manage. It is great to have a day that recognises how far we have come and highlights what we still need to achieve.
Q. What’s a message you would send to young women wanting to get their start in the industry?
A. I have started at the bottom on more than one occasion and so my advice is to not be afraid to dig in and start work in roles that are perhaps not your first choice. By staying focused on your end goal, while proving yourself to be consistently reliable and hardworking, you will find you are well on your way to achieving your goals.
Katie, Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Q. What’s your favourite part about working at EA?
A. My favourite part about working at EA is the opportunities the company gives to young tourism professionals to expand their skillset and immerse themselves in the industry. Through EA, I have grounded myself in ecotourism values and my passion for eco and nature-based tourism sustainability has only grown.
Q. Is there anyone you see as an inspiration or role model?
A. The passion and dedication of my colleagues inspires me every day. To witness the ripple effect of the team’s work throughout Australia, which is reflected in EA’s new brand, motivates me to challenge myself and reach my potential.
Q. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
A. Without the work of women before us, I wouldn’t have access to or be able to pursue the wide range of opportunities that have given me purpose and are shaping my life. Celebrating International Women’s Day is a chance to acknowledge the work of changemaking women throughout history and understand that there is still a way to go to achieve change.
Q. What’s a message you would send to young women wanting to get their start in the industry?
A. Imposter syndrome is real! Remember that you deserve to be where you are, and your contribution matters.
Nadine, Certification Manager
Q. What’s your favourite part about working at EA?
A. The team and culture at EA. EA’s success is driven by a team of dedicated and passionate people who all share the same values and goals. We have created a work environment in which great ideas can happen, where we celebrate each other’s wins and support each other through challenging times. EA is like a second family to me.
Q. Is there anyone you see as an inspiration or role model?
A. There are so many wonderful and inspirational women that inspire me in my career and life. I admire anyone who stands up for what they believe in, even if it means standing alone. People with high moral integrity who are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Just to name a few examples:
– Michelle Obama
– Melinda Gates
– Malala Yousafzai
– Grace Tame & Brittany Higgins
Q. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
A. It’s an annual reminder that whilst we are making progress, we have not achieved equality. Gender discrimination and the gender pay gap are only some of the issues that come to mind. It is also an awesome chance to celebrate women’s achievements and empower each other!
Q. What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve been given in your career?
A. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone! It’s the only way to grow and learn.
Alyssa, Relationships Manager
Q. What’s your favourite part about working at EA?
A. Working with people who care about the world like I do and want to be part of tourism’s positive impact on the people and planet.
Q. Is there anyone you see as an inspiration or role model?
A. Too many to choose! Many of the women in my work life are role models to me – many showing me that women can kick career goals too! Including the EA Board Directors, previous bosses, fellow colleagues and close friends I have made through the job.
Q. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
A. Women so often are facing a great number of challenges at any one time, including competitiveness and judgement from fellow women, it’s important for us to lift each other up rather than tear each other down. This day is a reminder for us to practice support of another every other day of the year.
Q. What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve been given in your career?
A. Do what you love and you won’t need to work a day in your life. No point wasting the majority of your life on something you don’t enjoy or feel fulfilled by.
Fay, Accounts Manager
Q. What’s your favourite part about working at EA?
A. Being part of a great team.
Q. Is there anyone you see as an inspiration or role model?
A. I value each individual member of the team and therefore, you are all an inspiration and role model to me.
Q. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
A. I see Women’s Day as a celebration and it emphasises where women are today, both in society and work, and clarifies that we are making our mark in the ever-challenging cause to have equal standing with the male race.
Q. What’s a message you would send to young women wanting to get their start in the industry?
A. Fully feel your right to have and to seek the same remuneration and recognition as the male species.
Shannon, Certification Coordinator
Q. What’s your favourite part about working at EA?
A. My favourite part about working at EA is being able to work in a team of passionate and intelligent women who inspire me every day. They have all taught me so much about how to be kinder to the planet and the people we share it with.
Q. Is there anyone you see as an inspiration or role model?
A. Jane Goodall!
Q. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
A. I think it’s important to celebrate Women’s Day so that we can acknowledge the strength, tenacity, and diversity of women both in and outside the workplace.
Q. What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve been given in your career?
A. Seize every opportunity because you never know where it might lead!
Lina, Communications and Marketing Manager
Q. What’s your favourite part about working at EA?
A. Working with passionate operators and being part of something bigger than myself.
Q. Is there anyone you see as an inspiration or role model?
A. All mothers!
Q. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
A. There are so many women who have walked before us to break down barriers and stereotypes, and fight for equal recognition and inclusion. These women deserve to be celebrated, and so do the successes we have had since then. However, spotlighting the areas in which we still need to push for change is also important, and International Women’s Day does both.
Q. What’s a message you would send to young women wanting to get their start in the industry?
A. Start somewhere, even if you don’t feel ready. Every step on your journey will help you in some way, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
Last, but certainly not least, is the newest addition to our EA family…
Elissa Keenan, Chief Executive Officer
Q. What are you most looking forward to with starting at EA?
A. I am looking forward to meeting our members and understanding their individual tourism products and services and how Ecotourism Australia can continue to represent their interests; and I am looking forward to reconnecting with many familiar faces in tourism across Australia. It is an exciting time for our industry – we will recover from a tumultuous few years and both domestic and international visitors will continue to seek nature based and sustainable tourism experiences. Ecotourism Australia has a reputation as one of the most respected industry bodies in the world and this is an amazing opportunity to lead this team as we enter this new phase of tourism growth in Australia.
Q. Is there anyone you see as an inspiration or role model?
A. I am inspired by many people and for many different reasons. I am drawn to people who believe in themselves, are brave and take chances, are authentic and find a path that makes them happy. I am inspired by many people but there are a couple of aspirational female leaders that have positively impacted my career. Marion Charlton, the Chief Operating Officer of Queensland Airports Limited, is a role model not only for her amazing success but for her drive and determination. Michelle Bennetts, Chief Service Delivery Officer at Airservices Australia is the most authentic leader I have ever met. They are both strong, considered, credible leaders, extremely supportive of their teams, and lead by examples themselves.
Q. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
A. International Women’s Day is an important way to promote and profile that women can achieve what they desire. And that they always deserve to be safe, to be respected and be treated equally. The opportunity to demonstrate to young women and girls the roles and careers they can aspire to is powerful and I know I am always inspired by stories of other women’s journeys.
Q. Do you have any advice for women seeking leadership roles in the industry?
A. Having mentors throughout your career can really help. It is important to have people that will support, listen and can offer a different perspective and who can give you feedback, coaching and constructive feedback when you need it. If there is someone you look up to or are inspired by, reach out to them. It can be daunting but you may be surprised just how many people will support you. Similarly, be generous with your time and be willing to mentor others as you can make a real and positive difference to someone else’s journey.
There are definitely still strides to make towards complete gender equality, but the contributions of women such as these are paving the way to a more equitable future in the industry.
Sources:
UN Women
https://unwomen.org.au/get-involved/international-womens-day/
Tourism Research Australia
https://www.tra.gov.au/data-and-research/reports/national-tourism-satellite-account-2019-20/national-tourism-satellite-account-2019-20
Tourism Dashboard
https://www.tourismdashboard.org/explore-the-data/gender-equity/#:~:text=Insights,male%20employment%20in%20the%20sector.
Further reading:
International Women’s Day
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/about
One Girl
https://www.onegirl.org.au/our-impact/climate-change
