IWD inspires inclusion and equality

INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day will be celebrated today across the world with the aim of inspiring inclusion and equality.

McIvor Times asked four Heathcote women what the day means to them.

“I think it should be celebrated every day,” said Joan Stammers, proprietor of The Watering Hole.

“We are all equal and should always be treated that way.”

Ms Stammers said she has been fortunate throughout her working history to have experienced very few incidents of discrimination.

“I started out 38 years ago working in a plastering business with my husband, David,” she said.

“I have also worked for NDIS, ran Gaggle of Geese for seven years and now The Watering Hole for the past two years.

“There are always a few who direct their questions to my husband even when I am standing right there.

“David always tells them there is no point in asking him, they should ask me.

“We’ve always been equals.

“It has been an interesting journey. There’s good security in working for others but I prefer working for myself.

“I think things have improved a lot and there is an emphasis on women balancing out the workforce.

“It’s a good thing.”

Vicki Forde has been Heathcote Community House executive officer for the past seven years.

“We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside so many inspirational women in our community every day,” she said.

“There are so many in our community who provide rich, warm nurturing and generosity in many different forms.

“Women who hold out their hands to support each other, when and as needed.

“I read a quote on the IWD website and it really stands out for me, ‘Collectively we can all inspire inclusion’.

“Together is how we improve lives! And, International Women’s Day is a reminder of that for me.”

Until 1971, women were not allowed to work as tellers in Australian banks.

They were relegated to typing and behind the scenes roles.

Krystal Eickert and Kiara Brincat are both employed as tellers at Community Bank Heathcote & District.

“I’ve worked here for 15 years,” said Ms Eickert.

“For most of that time, the staff has been almost all female. I’m glad things have changed considering what it was like in the past.

“The CEO is a woman, Marnie Baker, and it’s good to see that the industry is no longer male dominated.

“There are women working throughout all areas.”

Ms Brincat began working at the bank in 2023 and previously worked as a supermarket checkout assistant.

“I’ve never been discriminated against but sometimes I would be asked why I did certain things as they were considered male roles,” she said.

“When I collected trolleys in the car park, some said it was a job that should be left for the men.

“I think I was as strong and capable as many of the males and didn’t have any trouble.

“Except for our branch manager, our bank has an all female staff, and it’s good to see that there are equal opportunities for everyone.”