To honour International Women’s Day, we asked women who are trailblazers at Advantage Group what this year’s theme, ‘Embracing Equity,’ means to them. According to Culture Amp, “Equity asks us to acknowledge that everyone has different needs, experiences, and opportunities.” In the responses below, you’ll find more than the standard definition of equity. These responses dive deeper into equity, bringing themes of humanity, equality, and love, and sometimes even serving as points of inflection.
With an emphasis on support, the women at Advantage bring new meaning to being better together. They provide us with a picture of the future that every workplace and community should be inspired by and act on.
Women at Advantage Group highlight humanity, equality and love for International Women’s Day
When one of us shines, we all do
“One of the most practical things we can do to embrace equity in our daily lives is simply to remember that at the root of it all, every one of us is human and has the same basic needs to be heard, understood, and valued. If we can just think of humankind as “one” instead of “us,” “they,” or “them,” we unify our hearts and minds and see each other at a deeper level. When one of us shines, we all do. When we start to understand this, we look for the light in others.” Annaliese Jagusch, Canada, Head of Client Experience
Embracing equity is more than just saying you do
“Embracing equity is more than just saying you do. You have to actually believe it. You have to incorporate it into how you live and how you treat others. Respect one another and value everyone’s opinion!
The only way to do great work is to love what you do! Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. What you do today can improve all your tomorrows!” Apisara Chiambanchong (Vi), Thailand, Program Director for Southeast Asia
Being inclusive and empathetic to every human being
“Embracing equity to me means being inclusive and empathetic to every human being. As a community, we should ensure that there is no room for bias and that women are given equal opportunities along with fair options to execute them well, both professionally and personally. Today, it is also very important that we create an ecosystem where everyone feels supported and people are not fearful of being judged when they ask for support. Finally, let us just embrace equity through whatever role we play in our lives.” Kranti Nidadavolu, Canada, People Manager
Love for the world, for other people, and our companions in the journey through it
“Let me share with you what associations “embracing equity” awakens in me. When panels which resolve disputes need foundations for their decisions and the foundations offered by applicable law are not sufficient, they resort to an ancient principle of judging—ex aequo et bono – from justice and goodness. So, we should interact with the world with justice and goodness.
But it is not enough. Justice and goodness are not enough. One more thing is needed: love. Love for the world, for other people, and our companions in the journey through it. Love for all that exists and lives. Let us embrace the world ex aequo, bono et amora – with justice, goodness and love.” Magdalena Jarus, Poland, Country Manager
We wouldn’t be who we are without a strong backbone
“Embracing equity means putting your best self forward always! Support women as well as broadening and rounding out teams and engagement with men too. We wouldn’t be who we are without a strong backbone grounded in diversity and inclusivity, which includes both men and women as mentors, colleagues, and friends.” Gretchen Steck, USA, Director of Advantage Custom Solutions
It takes tremendous courage to risk “rocking the boat”
“Embracing equity to me means having the courage to speak up and speak out when you notice inequality in all of its forms. Sometimes, it takes tremendous courage to risk “rocking the boat” by having these conversations. Which is worse, taking the risk or the discomfort of suffering injustice or inequality? This is a question I ask myself all of the time. I am getting more comfortable with taking the risk.” Lisa Shelley, Australia, Head of Engagement
Equality means women are respected in their own right
“Embracing equity means breaking down the stereotypes that were set in stone. Developing a culture of paying it forward by lifting others through mentoring and creating opportunities that enable women to thrive. Above all, equality means women are respected in their own right. I feel optimistic that women’s empowerment is moving in the right direction.” Brenisha Moodley, South Africa, Program and Operations Manager
At Advantage, we’re always looking to improve equity by increasing the number of women in our organization. If you’re interested in joining our company and learning about our culture, visit our Careers page.
