08 MARCH 2024
Journal
International
Women's Day '24
Let's Inspire Inclusion
To celebrate this year's ‘Inspire Inclusion' theme, we spoke with onetwo duo, Rachel and Tessa, alongside Wittner leaders Pascale, Sharon, and onetwo's right-hand Jaide.
Together, we highlight the significance of creating environments for women to thrive.
Let's Inspire Inclusion
To celebrate this year's ‘Inspire Inclusion' theme, we spoke with onetwo duo, Rachel and Tessa, alongside Wittner leaders Pascale, Sharon, and onetwo's right-hand Jaide.
Together, we highlight the significance of creating environments for women to thrive.
How has your experience working with Wittner empowered you as a woman in the PR industry, especially considering it's a brand known for its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity?
T: Working with Wittner has been an empowering experience for me as a woman in the industry across the six years of managing the PR for the brand. The brand's commitment to sustainability and inclusivity aligns with my own values, allowing me to advocate for initiatives that promote environmental responsibility and diversity. Being involved with a company that prioritises these values not only allows me to contribute meaningfully to the brand's reputation but also provides a platform to amplify voices and narratives that resonate with a diverse audience. This experience has strengthened my belief in the importance of using PR as a tool for positive social change.
How do you think the partnership between Wittner and onetwo reflects the importance of supporting and uplifting women?
R: Partnering with a female-led PR agency helps to highlight the importance of representation for women in leadership roles. It sends a great message especially to younger generations that women can excel in various fields including public relations. Our partnership provides opportunities for women to excel and showcase their talents, demonstrating that women can be formidable forces for change and innovation when given the opportunity and support.
Rachel wears the Edithe Pump
Tessa wears the Alora Ballet Flat
Rachel wears the Edithe Pump
Tessa wears the Alora Ballet Flat
Tessa says, "We create a supportive atmosphere where everyone's voices are valued and respected, leading to greater creativity, innovation, and productivity."
Tessa says, "We create a supportive atmosphere where everyone's voices are valued and respected, leading to greater creativity, innovation, and productivity."
Can you share any personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight the impact of working with female leaders and colleagues at onetwo?
J: Witnessing female leaders successfully navigate the industry and overcome obstacles inspire the team to aspire to leadership positions themselves, fostering a culture of mentorship and empowerment within the agency.
Pascale wears the Odelle Heel and Jaide wears the Paltro Boot
Can you share any specific initiatives or strategies implemented at Wittner shoes that have promoted gender equality and supported women in the workplace?
P: Wittner has always celebrated females in the workplace, from our teams in stores, to our support office, to our agencies – at least 80% of our staff are women. I believe Wittner gets women. Not only do we understand what women need every day, empowering them with every ‘step’, but women are also at the centre of every business decision. It’s a supportive place for women to work, providing flexibility to help us juggle everything that comes with being a woman in the workplace today. I am proud and privileged to work somewhere where I am truly supported to succeed. With any initiative or partnership, we always look for ways to celebrate women and support them. We recently partnered with Thread Together to give young women shoes for their school formals.
As a female employee collaborating with onetwo, a female-founded PR agency, what are some unique advantages or dynamics you've observed compared to working with other agencies?
P: The shared understanding of the work-life juggle. The deeper understanding and support for each other beyond the workplace. This understanding builds trust and fosters passion to support each other. This trust cuts through the busyness of work. As women, there's often a shared ability to see the bigger picture and have a sense for what matters most in both professional and personal realms. I believe this holistic perspective helps inform decision-making and problem-solving, contributing to our mutual success.
Can you share any specific initiatives or strategies implemented at Wittner shoes that have promoted gender equality and supported women in the workplace?
P: Wittner has always celebrated females in the workplace, from our teams in stores, to our support office, to our agencies – at least 80% of our staff are women. I believe Wittner gets women. Not only do we understand what women need every day, empowering them with every ‘step’, but women are also at the centre of every business decision. It’s a supportive place for women to work, providing flexibility to help us juggle everything that comes with being a woman in the workplace today. I am proud and privileged to work somewhere where I am truly supported to succeed. With any initiative or partnership, we always look for ways to celebrate women and support them. We recently partnered with Thread Together to give young women shoes for their school formals.
As a female employee collaborating with onetwo, a female-founded PR agency, what are some unique advantages or dynamics you've observed compared to working with other agencies?
P: The shared understanding of the work-life juggle. The deeper understanding and support for each other beyond the workplace. This understanding builds trust and fosters passion to support each other. This trust cuts through the busyness of work. As women, there's often a shared ability to see the bigger picture and have a sense for what matters most in both professional and personal realms. I believe this holistic perspective helps inform decision-making and problem-solving, contributing to our mutual success.
Pictured: The Odelle Heel in Vintage Ivory
Can you share any specific initiatives or strategies implemented at Wittner shoes that have promoted gender equality and supported women in the workplace?
P: Wittner has always celebrated females in the workplace, from our teams in stores, to our support office, to our agencies – at least 80% of our staff are women. I believe Wittner gets women. Not only do we understand what women need every day, empowering them with every ‘step’, but women are also at the centre of every business decision. It’s a supportive place for women to work, providing flexibility to help us juggle everything that comes with being a woman in the workplace today. With any initiative or partnership, we always look for ways to celebrate women and support them. We recently partnered with Thread Together to give young women shoes for their school formals.
As a female employee collaborating with onetwo, a female-founded PR agency, what are some unique advantages or dynamics you've observed compared to working with other agencies?
P: The shared understanding of the work-life juggle. The deeper understanding and support for each other beyond the workplace. This understanding builds trust and fosters passion to support each other. This trust cuts through the busyness of work. As women, there's often a shared ability to see the bigger picture and have a sense for what matters most in both professional and personal realms. I believe this holistic perspective helps inform decision-making and problem-solving, contributing to our mutual success.
Sharon says, "I am proud and privileged to work somewhere where I am truly supported to succeed."
Sharon says, "I am proud and privileged to work somewhere where I am truly supported to succeed."
Lastly, how do you personally feel about being part of a workplace environment and collaboration that prioritises and celebrates women's contributions and leadership?
S: Love contributing to the workplace that provides opportunities and celebrates the achievement of women across all sectors. As a former Telstra Women of the year recipient, I have used that platform and continue to be and advocate for continued improvements around gender equality, be that opportunities for advancement, equal pay, and celebrating women supporting women and building a real community of support for each other in all workplace environments.
Sharon wears the Sophia Loafer
FEATURED
TESSA-JAY LOUIS, RACHEL HAYES, JAIDE COLMAN, PASCALE MCBAIN & SHARON TEUMA
PHOTOGRAPHER
LIANA HARDY
AGENCY
ONETWO
Sharon wears the Sophia Loafer