Jaybro Celebrates International Women’s Day

#ChooseToChallenge in support of IWD

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

It also gives businesses around the world an opportunity to commit to closing the gender gap, shed light on gender inequality and open up conversations around how to improve fairness and balance for women.

Here, a few of our team members share what IWD means to them.

Nicole Graham, Inside Sales

What do you love about your role in the sales team?

In my role, I love that we all have the same goal. As a team, we really band together and work as one. I love that there is no person greater than the next. And I love the variety that my role provides and that there is always room for growth and movement.

I really enjoy that every day we all lend a hand, we’re always being shown something new - that is extremely fulfilling.

Any specific highlights in your time in this sector?

There are quite a few, but for me the ones that stand out are being a part of the Emerging Leaders Program where I learnt so much about our business and was really encouraged to look at this with a fresh set of eyes.

I also enjoyed working with the business during the GGOB or Great Game of Business program. I was challenged here a lot professionally as we stepped into parts of the business I wasn’t comfortable with, but I love being so involved and learning so much.

Some other highlights have been planning two mini games for the business and really seeing the development of the team through these - and dumping my boss in a tub of water at the completion of our mini game!

What improvements have you seen around gender bias and inequality in your time in this sector?

I think that there are some real changes that have been achieved over my time in the civil construction industry. The main one is fairness in roles and availability for promotions. I think once upon a time promotions were mainly considered as something that males were eligible for, or the roles involved were only seen as “best suited for” males. I think women have really made their stamp on this industry and started to show that these roles can really benefit from a different outlook and mindset.

For this sector it is so amazing to see so many strong, determined and resilient females out there on job sites selling our products, behind the phones giving technical advice, packing orders and dispatching them, moving stock around and organising our warehouses, leading our teams and really being the face of many amazing and innovative changes.

Rebecca Meli, Group IT Manager

What do you love about your role at Jaybro?

I love working in an ever-changing role where you not only need to know the past, but also predict the future.

As the group IT Manager at Jaybro, I am loving being able to pull apart the historic tech and steering the business into a new way of seeing and using technology. Being empowered to make these decisions and seeing them through is what excites me every day.

What improvements have you seen around gender bias and inequality in your time in the IT sector?

I started working in the data & technology sector when I was 16. For me, my industry has always been male dominated - in every interview I have ever had people are almost shocked that I am female. I find it funny! Personally treatment wise, I’ve always felt like my opinion mattered regardless of my gender.

I do feel that as time goes by there are more females emerging as tech leaders which has been great to see. It gives me hope that my goal to be the next disruptive female CTO is possible. There are further improvements to fill the pay gap as this still occurs, however I believe we are on the right path to close that gap.

Erin Clancy, Warehouse Trainee

What do you love about your role at Jaybro?

That you learn something new every day, and everyone at Jaybro is willing to help you and teach you new skills.

Any specific highlights in your time in the warehouse and distribution sector?

A highlight would have been getting my forklift ticket, I was so scared to learn. But all the guys and girls here helped me, built up my confidence and skills. Now I get on the fork without a second thought!

What improvements have you seen around gender bias and inequality in your time in this sector?

That we are treated like every other worker, no one thinks any less of the women working here, and the more girls that came through the more understanding and supportive the guys get.

Dana Gowenlock, Production General Hand

What do you love about your role at Jaybro?

I love that it’s hands-on and I’m always on the move. There’s something new to learn every day and we have an amazing team.

Any specific highlights in your time in the manufacturing and distribution sector?

Probably just learning almost all of the machinery in my section and making some new mates!

What improvements have you seen around gender bias and inequality in your time in this sector?

As soon as I started here at Jaybro I felt included.

Marisa Acquasanta, Receiving Trainee

What do you love about your role as a trainee at Jaybro?

I don’t let the fact that I’m a ‘trainee’ hold me back from speaking up and sharing ideas. Yes, I’m technically a trainee but my team don’t treat me any less, and I work just as hard as my peers.

Any specific highlights in your time in the warehouse and distribution sector?

Being recognised and awarded for doing my job and being a part of internal projects.

What improvements have you seen around gender bias and inequality in your time in this sector?

I guess drivers aren’t as surprised to see a woman on a forklift anymore. There's not that many women in the warehouse but the ones who are here can be relied upon to do the hard yards and get the job done.

Jaybro’s commitment to working towards gender equality

Marked annually on March 8th, International Women's Day is one of the most important days of the year that we can acknowledge, celebrate and encourage the women in our organisation and pledge to challenge the status quo for women - just as we challenge the status quo in the way we do business.

The theme in 2021 is ‘Choose to Challenge’ and Jaybro is actively participating in IWD by promoting awareness and inclusivity in our workplace - today, and every day.

From our leadership team right through to all levels of the organisation, Jaybro maintains a strong and continuous focus on equality, diversity and inclusion. We have a long history of supporting staff by encouraging flexible hours, work from home arrangements and other staffing models - long before COVID shook up the world’s workplaces.

In addition, deep and genuine support for staff experiencing mental health challenges is woven into the ‘family first’ fabric of the Jaybro culture.

As our business continues to evolve and adapt, we can help bring about change and play a role in forging gender parity.

#ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021