International Women’s Day 2022: we chat to 7 women doing great things at Australia Post

This year, International Women’s Day will be celebrated under the theme #BreakTheBias, a movement that encourages a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. As part of the global day on March 8th, we invited women from Australia Post and our charity partner, Indigenous Literacy Foundation, to discuss what #BreakTheBias means to them and how everyone can champion the spirit of International Women’s Day all year round.

Kylie Smith, Gamilaroi/Gomeroi woman – Postal Manager at Australia Post

Kylie is the proud Postal Manager of Tennant Creek Community Post Office in the Northern Territory. Being in an isolated township, her Post Office is often the lifeline between remote stations and communities, as they fly supplies in and out weekly. 

What does ‘breaking the bias’ mean to you?  
“Breaking the bias means so many different things when applying it to what we at Australia Post can achieve. For me, it has meant challenging my own concept of what I can do and accepting the opportunities, support and career development that I had no idea I would experience just a short 18-months ago. As a relatively new member of the Australia Post community, I am learning new things every day and consistently re-evaluating what I think I know about my job as a manager of a local Post Office in a remote community.”

What gives you hope this International Women’s Day? 
“My hope is that more workplaces develop fair practices for women within all industries. ‘Equality’ doesn't do justice to a modern society as there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer to the issues that women are still facing in the workplace. It is getting better, but we aren't there yet.”

What are some of the ways we can keep the message of International Women’s Day alive throughout the year?
“Every day is a day that we can celebrate. I see no reason we should celebrate the progress of women on a select day of the year. Whenever we see an opportunity to support and encourage fellow females in their careers, small business ideas, philanthropy, and family is a good day indeed.” 

Sharbani Dhar - Design Director Operations Digital Channels and Innovation at Australia Post

Sharbani looks after the people, culture and processes of the Digital Experience team at Australia Post. Her team is responsible for crafting delightful, user-friendly digital experiences for our customers, which help them stay informed and connected even when they are not physically able to come into our stores. 

What does ‘breaking the bias’ mean to you?  
“Taking the time to pause, reflect and check if any decisions that I've made have been influenced by any preconceived bias I may have. Every day, trying actively to rely more on facts, conclusive and tangible data instead of pre-set opinions.”

What gives you hope this International Women’s Day?  
“Seeing so many women in leadership positions being great leaders that I, and many other women, look up to. Being part of a company that actively nurtures its female workforce to become confident and impactful change makers through internal programs. All this gives me hope that we are well on our way to build a strong and inclusive workplace.”

What are some of the ways we can keep the message of International Women’s Day alive throughout the year?
“By not looking at gender, but capability. Looking actively to create equality and diversity in opportunities. Consciously being aware of our biases and actively removing them during decision making.” 

Caroline Good – General Manager Customer Excellence Deliveries at Australia Post

In her role at Australia Post, Caroline drives a customer and service excellence culture within operations and as such, is an advocate for women in the male-dominated operations field. Her unique skill set includes a background in finance and numerous developmental achievements, including recently becoming a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

What does ‘breaking the bias’ mean to you?
“Breaking the bias, to me, means ensuring that gender is not even a consideration in the workplace—especially in operations where I have spent most of my career, where people are judged on their capability and nothing else. I have found the best teams are made of a diverse group of people and any bias on things like gender only limits our potential to work together as human beings and achieve amazing things.”

What gives you hope this International Women’s Day? 
“The incredible women in my life give me hope on International Women’s Day (and every day). The way women in my team support other women shows me that when we support each other, great things happen.”

“I also feel optimistic when I see the men across my team invested and proactively supporting, developing and encouraging women. Everyone has a role to play in breaking the bias and I see that we are moving in the right direction.”

What are some of the ways we can keep the message of International Women’s Day alive throughout the year?
“Some of the most impactful moments in my own career have come from seeing the women I look up to speak vulnerably and honestly about challenges and opportunities they have faced.”

“Speaking up when you see something, supporting those in need and showing your vulnerability is something we can all commit to. Challenging perceptions in all areas and breaking down bias won’t be achieved in one day and will take all of us working together to drive the cultural change.”

Melissa Manoa – Service Team Manager at Australia Post

Melissa has been with Australia Post for 15 years and works alongside other senior managers to ensure our teams are equipped with the knowledge and tools to best service our customers. She is passionate about innovating and improving the customer experience, and always strives to cultivate a positive and inclusive workplace for her team.

What does ‘breaking the bias’ mean to you?
“I am often mindful that we can all easily be caught up with bias or unconscious assumptions, but by being aware and acknowledging that differences exist, I can take a positive step in breaking the bias. I will use my words and actions, help to raise awareness to those around me, give support with my voice and actions, and uplift and empower others.”

What gives you hope this International Women’s Day?
“I believe that we are forging change through working together and strengthening our voice. Shining a light on gender equality and why it matters, as well as setting up a new future for generations to come.”

What are some of the ways we can keep the message of International Women’s Day alive throughout the year?
“Continuous reflection of our thoughts and actions to be a positive influence. Keep up the momentum! Lead the way and advocate in our communities, workplaces and schools. Continue to spread awareness, uplift and celebrate all our achievements.”

“Explore how bias and inequality reveals themselves in our current society and workplace and find solutions that are inclusive and forward thinking. We all have a significant role to play, and we can choose to make a difference, we just need to have courage to #BreakTheBias.”

Kylie Doyle – Transport Manager at Australia Post

Kylie is a Transport Manager with 20 years' experience across the Army and Australia Post. Working in a male-dominated industry has made her resilient and proud to reflect on what we have achieved when we talk about gender equality. One of her focuses has been to employ more females in transport, which Australia Post is on track to achieve in 2022.

What does ‘breaking the bias’ mean to you?
“Breaking the bias is about creating a healthy balance of men and women in leadership roles and promoting the diversity opportunities within our workplace.”

What gives you hope this International Women’s Day?
“This International Women’s Day, I will reflect about the respect we have for each other and the respect we have for those women who have made a difference in the past 12 months—most notably, Grace Tame with the resilience and perseverance to share her story and make a difference.”

What are some of the ways we can keep the message of International Women’s Day alive throughout the year?
“To keep the message going, we should have regular women’s forums and encourage those in leadership roles to mentor other women and continue to support our journeys.”

Chelsea O’Reilly - General Manager Solutions and Partners at Australia Post

Chelsea is accountable for nurturing, growing and retaining customers and delivering quality outcomes for our customers, the community and Australia Post. As a leader, Chelsea is passionate about bringing the best out in people and creating a culture and environment where every individual has to opportunity to learn, to grow, to thrive and reach their full potential as professionals.

What does ‘breaking the bias’ mean to you?
“Breaking the bias, to me, means creating a culture and world that encourages diversity, inclusivity and equality for all human beings.”

What gives you hope this International Women’s Day?
“What inspires me and gives me hope on International Women’s Day is seeing so many people invested in breaking the bias and striving for equality.”

What are some of the ways we can keep the message of International Women’s Day alive throughout the year?
“International Women’s Day is one day every year we pause, recognise and celebrate women’s achievements—but if we truly want to drive change, this needs to happen more than once a year. There’s some fantastic information on the International Women’s Day website that encourages individuals and business to lean in and act now to support, retain and advance women. The website also supplies a toolkit you can downland called ‘50 ways to Fight Bias’, which has some great suggestions on ways we can keep the message and focus on International Women’s Day all year round.”

Lisa Flower – Marketing Communications Manager at Indigenous Literacy Foundation

Lisa is a high-energy person who believes in the power of collaboration. Working within the For-Purpose sector brings her passions for creative thinking, communication, the environment, and people together. From sustainability challenges to supporting or empowering others within groups and communities, her goal is the same—to strive for a more inclusive, collaborative, and healthier future. 

What does ‘breaking the bias’ mean to you?
“Breaking the bias, to me, means for every individual to have the same opportunity to achieve their potential. A place where differences in ideas and external appearances are accepted; where everyone has a voice, and their voice is respected.”

“Most of us are guilty of putting people in boxes to make sense of where they fit in our sphere of understanding. At worst, we slam shut the lid and lock away opportunities for discussion and understanding. To break the bias, we all need to look deeply into our thinking and catch that moment when we automatically put someone in a box. And if we see others doing it, we need to call it out.”

What gives you hope this International Women’s Day?
“I am hopeful that this theme—with its clear, strong pose and message—filters through to all levels of workplaces, educational institutions, and communities.”

“I am also hopeful that men and women feel more empowered to call out bias, discrimination, and inequity when they see it; to stand in solidarity of what is fair and right, to support each other with actions and to know that silence is not an option.”

What are some of the ways we can keep the message of International Women’s Day alive throughout the year?
“I think that having women mentoring women and girls is incredibly valuable and empowering. Even if you are not working or studying, it can help to have someone you respect to bounce ideas off and share what’s going on in your life.”  

“We should also acknowledge women more for the amazing stuff they do—whether it be by email, a card, a verbal acknowledgment in a meeting, a phone call or a reference. It goes a long way.”

“Finally, learn to become aware of your own unconscious bias. Explore it and challenge it.”