Supporting the Next Wave of Emerging Female Leaders with Gayle While

I’d like to start by acknowledging all of the allies and advocates that have inspired me and been in my corner throughout my life and career. You know who you are, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without your cheerleading. Thank you. 

An important step forward in the journey of gender equality would be for all of us to more visibly champion and celebrate women. Everyday. We shouldn’t be saving celebration and acknowledgement of women’s success or achievements until a calendarized date of the 8th March. It’s like only telling people that you love them on Valentine’s Day. Women are achieving amazing things on a daily basis and that needs to be talked about more. So, we can begin by doing more to amplify female voices within our industry, and beyond. It isn’t just a case of ‘see it to be it’, we need to ensure we’re hearing the thoughts and opinions of women. 

A 2021 UN study across 114 countries showed that women comprised of only 24% of the people we read about, see, or hear from on TV, radio and in print. Whilst there’s been progress in changing this percentage, female voices continue to be underrepresented in media and if we don’t have women writing or reporting then we won’t see issues framed in the way we need them to be.  

As an industry there’s an opportunity for us to continuously support the next wave of emerging female leaders by providing them with platforms for their voices and encouraging them to contribute.

Outside of the spotlight of IWD as an industry we need to continue the push to find pathways that enable more females to start, or return to a career in the creative industry. We have to better understand the barriers that continue to exist and find solutions. Whether that’s through supporting initiatives like Mums in Ads or more flexible workplace polices we need to make the industry more attractive to women. Our work will only evolve if we have more female insights and influence on our thinking and ideas.  Our industry’s role is to shape cultural attitudes and perceptions, so the faster we can remove unconscious biases and challenge stereotypes, the sooner we will be reflecting the Australia that we want to be part of and create more inclusivity.

Importantly don’t just use today to share your gratitude and tell a woman that inspires you that she’s amazing. Find an everyday reason to acknowledge and celebrate them. It will make a difference.