International Women’s Day Celebrations
On Thursday 7 and Friday 8 March, the Transport cluster held events to celebrate women’s achievements and to encourage more to follow their dreams and aim to accomplish a #BalanceforBetter.
Let’s hear from some of our Talent participants’ experiences.
2019 International Women’s Day High Tea – International Convention Centre
Around 500 staff from the Transport cluster came together for the International Women’s Day High Tea to discuss this year’s theme of #BalanceforBetter.
Firstly the event was opened with an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by our very own, Christine Saunders. We then heard from Rodd Staples, Secretary and Kirsten Watson, Executive Director, People and Culture and their thoughts on gender equality, the importance of diversity and inclusion in our workplace and the journey ahead of us.
Guest speaker Manal al-Sharif, a Saudi Arabian woman who was arrested for the crime ‘Driving while Female’ then shared her inspiring story on how she became an accidental activist igniting the Women2Drive movement and her journey to freedom. Manal promoted speaking up and challenging societal norms, sharing her appreciation for women who paved the way and the men who supported her.
The event was closed with Samantha Abeydeera from Sydney Trains (wo)maning a panel with Manal al-Sharif, Steffen Faurby, Chief Executive, State Transit Authority, and Emma Hogan, Public Service Commissioner as they discussed what #BalanceforBetter means to them. Manal encouraged practicing the law of un-judgement, Steffen shared insights into unconscious bias, and Emma shared how it’s everyone’s responsibility to drive diversity and inclusion.
Graduates Myane Dimasangal, Lydia Tanious and Natalia Kuirintinus at the International Women’s Day High Tea.
Sydney Trains Future Network Delivery Afternoon Tea – Mascot
On Thursday 7 March, Sydney Trains’ Mascot office held an afternoon tea. Staff shared stories of how women in our lives achieved #BalanceforBetter and discussed how they are able to achieve balance in our lives. One member spoke highly of Julia Gillard and her achievements in a patriarchal government setting. There was also a speed dating event to network with others in the division and hear of their experiences.
Cadet Jenny Gu and Graduate Denna Peter at the FND Afternoon Tea
Sydney Trains Women in Senior Leadership – Clyde Hub
On Friday March 8, Sydney Trains also held a networking event and afternoon tea at the Clyde Hub for all staff.
The keynote speaker Michelle Sloane, Director of Communications, Media and Government Affairs shared her ‘not-so quintessential’ story amongst the audience, starting from profit organisations to non-profit organisations and how every career step allowed her to achieve #BalanceforBetter. Sloane’s own words “Trying something new and different”, encouraged everyone in the room to do the same irrespective of their gender.
A networking activity followed whereby eight women from senior positions were asked to form four pairs. Through this arrangement, the room was filled with discussions about the different career paths that these strong women had taken and to achieve #BalanceforBetter. To end the session, some refreshments were served to allow time for networking.