Heidi Fisher - Marketing Manager

What does equity mean to you?

Options. For everyone.

What do think are the current challenges women face within society today?

There is a lot of pressure to be across everything - work, family, social, health....after kids theres judgment on not returning to work, or returning too early, sending kids to daycare too young, not being present enough, not taking your career seriously....the mental load can be really tough.

Have you seen changes for women in the workplace over the last 5 years?

I think there definitely has been an increase in flexible work arrangements which enables women to consider returning to their career earlier if wanted, however the limitations on equal pay and overall opportunities offered to women still needs improvement...

How has The Athlete's Foot assisted in your personal career progress?

I started here in March of 2022 and was offered an internal promotion in the July of the same year!

What does International Women's day mean to you?

Recognition and striving to do better

 

Arabella McNamee- Buyer

What does equity mean to you?

Equity means a level playing field. Not only offering the same opportunities and benefits to everyone but acknowledging the disadvantages those people have faced. For women it’s acknowledging the social disadvantages we faced, having only been able to vote since 1902 and battling systematic sexism. It is protecting everyone’s Human rights and the right to not be discriminated.

What do think are the current challenges women face within society today?

I still believe there is an imbalance between Men and Women in the workplace, particularly in positions of power. There is a far greater number of Male CEO's and executives, and greater challenges Women need to overcome to be in that role. I believe a big contributing issue is Women are seen as the caregivers and there is a lack of respect and recognition for the caregiver role. Taking years away from your job to raise your children simultaneously stunts your career progression and you cannot easily bridge that gap. Women often have two full time jobs, one at home and one at work. It has a big impact on your career, and I don’t think this issue is spoken about enough.

Have you seen changes for women in the workplace over the last 5 years?

The Fashion industry is one of the few female dominated industries which I love being a part of. It’s amazing to see strong, intelligent women driving businesses. However, it’s not the case for a lot of other industries. I do think there has been recent changes to support women in the workplace. For example, a push for pay equity through publishing salaries to help bridge the gender pay gap. Companies focusing on developing skills, so more women can pursue a leadership role. Whilst there have been positive changes this is an ongoing commitment.

How has The Athlete's Foot assisted in your personal career progress?

The Athlete’s Foot is a supportive workplace that wants you to succeed. I’ve been able to grow and continuously learn throughout my time here. I’ve been given the tools and support to expand my category and brand portfolio. It’s a place where you can openly discuss your career goals and positively move towards them.

What does International Women's day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the strength, power, and beauty in all women across the world. It’s a day for everyone to look around and appreciate the amazing women in their lives and a remainder to keep pushing for true gender equality.

 

Bree Sharpe - State Manager NSW

What does equity mean to you?

Treating everyone fairly and equally, no matter who they are

What do think are the current challenges women face within society today?

I think the ability for women to feel safe continues to be a huge challenge and seems to be increasing. Violence against women is increasing and it's frightening as someone with two daughters.

Have you seen changes for women in the workplace over the last 5 years?

I believe women have a larger presence in workforces not previously seen in. I love seeing women represented in construction, parliment and senior roles that 5 years ago would have been dominated by men. Its great to have my daughters see that women can be anything!

How has The Athlete's Foot assisted in your personal career progress?

I've been challenged personally and professionally at The Athletes Foot through consistent feedback from my leader and peers, there is a strong focus on training, development and mentoring within the business along with a clear career plan. Work life balance is also encouraged which is highly engaging for me personally.

What does International Women's day mean to you?

It is a celebration of girls and women all over the world, its a time to reflect on progress made and to be excited for the future. I have confidence we are making moves to ensure my daughters grow up in an equal world.

 

Naomi Duncan - Marketing Assistant

What does equity mean to you?

For me equity means that everyone has access to the same standard of respect and opportunity.

What do think are the current challenges women face within society today?

I think the underlying issue is that there isn't enough "woman at the table" and this can be perceived in not only a business lense but also a global perspective, until perceptions change of woman in power than the current issues of gender discrimination and expectations will always be present.

Have you seen changes for women in the workplace over the last 5 years?

Yes definitely, there is a more progressive mind set within Australia especially, however I am sure it will take many many years to even introduce this idea into some parts of the world.

How has The Athlete's Foot assisted in your personal career progress?

TAF have been amazing, from the very first interview for a casual position in store I was welcomed and I knew it was going to be a fantastic business to work with, soon after working at the store I was made aware of the importance of internal promotion within the business and i am now the Marketing Assistant.

What does International Women's day mean to you?

It’s a day to celebrate how far the world has come in both the business world and the perception of the role of a woman on society, it’s also a day to recognise how far we still have to go and for everyone to reflect on what they can do.