Inside Retail kicks off year-long movement to amplify women in retail
Inside Retail has launched a year-long campaign with Airwallex, calling for change to how we recognise women in the retail sector.
The announcement:
Industry trade publication Inside Retail, in partnership with Airwallex, is igniting a year-long movement for change with #IRWD365.
This groundbreaking campaign aims to transcend a single day of recognition, focusing on amplifying female voices, celebrating achievements, and propelling career advancement for women in the retail sector right throughout the year.
Heather McIlvaine, Managing Editor – Premium at Inside Retail, champions the campaign’s goal of driving tangible progress.
“Inside Retail has reported on the issue of gender equality in retail over many years, and yet, we are still not seeing tangible change in the industry. By celebrating the untold stories and amplifying the unheard voices within the industry, we wish to truly push the needle for women in retail and create community, discussion, and foster opportunities for more women to assume positions of leadership in the retail landscape.”
Despite women comprising a staggering 56.4% of the Australian retail workforce, they hold only 19.6% of board positions and just 13.9% of CEO roles, according to the Australian Retailers Association.
Anne Natale, GM of Retail at Jeanswest notes “It’s a poignant reminder that despite progress, the retail industry still grapples with the underrepresentation of women’s voices in higher ranks. In my career, I’ve noted that people often look to others for a solution to this problem, but real change requires those within the industry to be actively involved in the solution. At Jeanswest we recognise the imperative of fostering an inclusive environment where women’s perspectives are not only acknowledged but also elevated. We are committed to being a driving force in this change, ensuring that women in retail have a seat at the table and their voices are heard and respected.“
Amie Larter, CEO of Octomedia and publisher of Inside Retail, said the #IRWD365 campaign aims to tackle this disparity head-on.
“Recent analysis of our retail news coverage indicates that women accounted for only 32% of the featured spokespersons within insideretail.com.au in the month of January,” she said.
“It looks to us like companies are missing a great opportunity to leverage untapped talent and be part of the solution in elevating women within the retail industry.
“We are committed to identifying practical ways for businesses to drive the long-awaited change we have been discussing for so long, and we’re dedicated to being part of the solution by bringing to light the untold stories of the countless inspiring women in retail.”
Individuals from March 1st can also actively participate by nominating inspiring women in retail at www.irwd365.com.au in 100 words or less sharing how a woman in retail has impacted and inspired them. Nominated women will be featured in daily and weekly highlights across multiple platforms offering recognition to women across all levels of the retail sector. There’s prizes and giveaways involved, as well as a donation to a women’s education charity.
Source: Mad Co
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