TALKING GENERATION EQUALITY

One of the great things about Habitat, that was completely unplanned, is how nearly all the businesses are owned and managed by women.

This spontaneous fact gives the place a progressive feeling each and every day, which can make events like International Women’s Day (IWD) seem a little redundant.

But of course, IWD is bigger than our bubble, as it works towards helping women all over the world to feel heard and empowered.

So, inspired by the IWD theme this year, which is “I am generation equality: realising women’s rights” we asked some of the women of Habitat for their thoughts…

Over 80% of businesses at Habitat are owned and/or operated by women – what does this say to you?

“This is just normal to me. It's our reality. Particularly in Byron! The thing that surprises me in 2020, is that it's still a talking point.” – Katie Graham, owner, Katie Graham Consultancy.
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“It says that Byron’s a town that attracts dynamic, driven, female entrepreneurs and creatives, and that at Habitat, we've found a thriving community in which we can collaborate, grow and support each other.” – Jules Galloway, owner, Parkes Ave Dispensary.
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“Let me answer your question with another question – ‘Who runs the world?’ (Answer: girls)” – Victoria Beattie, founder, The Beach People.
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“This isn’t a surprising figure at all. We have seen a steady increase of female owned businesses for the past few decades. The traditional model of the male working and the wife staying home to care for the family is outdated. It’s encouraging to see a new generation of families that are sharing the responsibilities in a way that’s suitable for their own circumstances. It’s the way of the future.” – Danielle McEwan, director, Tigmi Trading.
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“I think it begins with Byron being traditionally acknowledged as women’s country. The area is full of strong women, but also open minds and opportunities. Habitat’s persona feels feminine. The development has a progressive vision and is hopefully a representation of what the future will bring.” – Kassia Grier, co-owner, Barrio.

How do you think Australian society is going in regard to gender equality?

“I’m fortunate enough to have been raised in a family and community where this has never been an issue. My Dad is a raging feminist. Ha! He’s incredibly empowering to women. Every man I have ever worked for is the same. I’m involved in a local church and all the men in leadership there have been incredibly empowering of women. So, for me, I’m good. But now I think it’s time to spread that to everyone corner possible. It starts with how we each raise our kids. I believe, teach them and show them from the start that we’re all equal and within one generation we’ll see a change.” – Victoria Beattie, founder, The Beach People.
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“While comparable pay rates still need a lot more focus within many industries, I do feel there’s been a big shift in attitudes to women in the workplace. The real work is in social attitudes and in particular around domestic violence. We have to teach our children about what true equality means and this is something that starts at a very young age.” – Danielle McEwan, owner & director, Tigmi Trading.
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“In my naturopathic practice, I work a lot with corporate women who are experiencing burnout and from what they tell me, we aren't there yet. There can still be a lack of equality at the very top and in some traditionally male-dominated industries, such as architecture, engineering and law, the culture isn't conducive to raising a family or having time for self-care. But at a small to medium business level, and in terms of online start-ups, I think the balance is becoming a lot more even, as women turn away from traditional roles and look for careers that provide a better work/life balance.” – Jules Galloway, owner, Parkes Ave Dispensary.

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“I think we all need to start working together and move on from talking about equality and empathy and just start operating in that way. Making it normal and part of our everyday.” – Katie Graham, owner, Katie Graham Consultancy.

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“I’m aware that I’m fortunate to be able to say this, but from where I stand, we are doing ok. My life is rich with strong women standing in their power. My personal experiences in family, the hospitality industry, and business, have always presented fairly and have more often than not being female driven spaces.” – Kassia Grier, co-owner, Barrio.

What are some simple things people, businesses and communities can do to improve gender equality and strengthen women’s rights?

“Talk respectfully to all women everywhere at all times. No exceptions. I hear horror stories of locker room talk; I think that has gotta go. Change starts from the ground up, in the small things. I’ve heard my Dad pull people up when they say something rude about women and what that says is, ‘I respect you as equal and I’m into it!’ “ – Victoria Beattie, founder, The Beach People.
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“From home to school to business and within the community, we need to teach our sons and daughters to not be afraid to speak up. There’s a taboo that needs to be broken, particularly by establishment that talking out from the group is not acceptable. We need to call out inappropriate behaviour at any level and ensure we support the bravery of women and men who stand up for their rights.” – Danielle McEwan, director, Tigmi Trading.
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“Quite simply, we can hire on a person’s ability to do the job and not on their gender, age, race or any other discrimination. Let's just not crucify any one group. Let's teach our kids, and indeed, our adult-selves that as opposite sexes, there are inherent differences and that neither deserves more praise, more money, or more opportunities than the other. As long as those differences are celebrated and given a harmonious and fair playing field, they will naturally balance and equalise.” – Kassia Grier, co-owner, Barrio.
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“Collaborate with other female-owned and operated start-ups and businesses, rather than seeing them as competition. Show your support for female-led businesses by attending events, launches and networking opportunities. Hire and collaborate based on the qualities and skills you desire in your team, rather than gender. That is the way forward.” – Jules Galloway, owner, Parkes Ave Dispensary.

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Thanks to Katie, Victoria, Danielle, Jules and Kassia for sharing their thoughts with us.

International Women’s Day is 8 March 2020. How will you help forge a gender equal world?
#IWD2020 #EachforEqual

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