#BreakTheBias
Today on International Women’s Day, tomorrow and every other day, TEG stands up for a gender-equal world.
This year’s campaign is focusing on ‘Breaking The Bias’. It’s about working towards a world free of stereotypes and discrimination that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. It’s a world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Below we have some of the amazing women at TEG telling their story and helping us #BreakTheBias.
Amazing TEG Women Stories
Isabela Calil
“Growing up in Brazil in a family without brothers, my father has always encouraged us to do anything as equal as it can be. I was the boy of the house doing things from assembling furniture, cleaning the house or fixing a broken door. Since my father was a very hands-on father, he taught us all skills he had. I started driving when I was 12, remember at that time there was no age limit, and I have always been very independent in managing my own life.
One of the women I admire is Michelle Obama, she broke a lot of bias and prejudice by performing her post as the first lady brilliantly. A true inspiration for any woman.”
“I have never felt bias until I went to live in India, where there is a huge gap between women’s and man’s place in society. Apart from being a woman I was a foreign woman with white skin, which made everything much worse. I felt suddenly tied up as there were a lot of rules of what women can and can’t do it. Over time I managed to deal with all barriers. And, after almost 8 years living in India I was driving, going out alone and doing things around my house that a woman would never do.
I have been lucky to have been empowered throughout my life by my parents, teachers at university and at work.
Today International Woman’s day and always, I would like to create awareness of the fact that a household life is never balanced. We, women, take on extra work commitments outside the house, however, we’re still overloaded with all “traditional woman’s duties” related to family and children. Very few men share equally and I see women burned out all the time.
I call out to all women to ask more for help and to recognise that we can’t do everything, we need to balance life, work, family and our own self. Speak out loud and be brave to embrace life.”
Sophie Antonelli
“International woman’s day allows us to celebrate and recognise the achievements of women. It allows us to reflect just how far we’ve come in terms of finally having our own sense of autonomy and our own set of beliefs.
I’ve been in the same profession as a male doing a similar role but I was paid significantly less. This needs to be revised. Everyone should be paid an equal amount. Women shouldn’t be paid less just based on their gender we are just as capable as men.
Thankfully things are different here at TEG. We are given the opportunity to have creative control. We are listened to and respected immensely.”
“Today and every other day, it’s so important to carry on celebrating as we need to uplift and support each other as women. To make our voices heard, to dream bigger and take on the world together.
As my role is a creative role I may not be seen as someone who is a go-getter who strives for perfection which I very much am.
I’d always admired Malala Yousafzai. She fought back and made a stand when girls in her town were no longer allowed to attend school. Malala became a voice for education and equality around the world.”
Bally Sidhu
Use International Women’s Day and every other day as an opportunity to recognise the achievements the important women in your life have made over the years. The journey from being friends at school to becoming CEOs, senior managers, surgeons, mothers, aunts, wives and much more. All whilst remaining humble, respecting our roots and recognising we can still achieve a lot more.
I have always worked in male-dominated industries whereby I’ve had to shout to be heard. However, my TEG colleagues are always willing to listen to new ideas, welcome 360 feedback and allow me to express myself freely. I have never felt undermined and have always believed and been made to feel that I am part of a team whereby respect is of the utmost importance. I have also experienced bias related to the gap in gender pay at a previous place of employment. And, thankfully that’s not the case here at TEG.”
“It’s is great to have the opportunity each day to support women who are striving to achieve the best for themselves academically and professionally. Being part of this process is both rewarding & inspiring.
We build each other up! Jenalyn Rawes, Justyna Basalyga & Gabriela Gevechanova – I have watched these ladies grow into their roles over the past few months. They all perform fantastically and the dedication they display to their profession & the students they deal with is admirable.
Outside of TEG, I really admire Helen Keller. She was the first deaf & blind person to earn a BA from Harvard University. A lecturer, disability rights advocate and a political activist – a true hero of her time.”
Elena Minkova
“International Women’s day is about celebrating the role women have had in society. I also really admire Helen Keller who, despite losing her sight and hearing in early childhood, became the first blind and deaf person to get a Bachelor’s degree and actively campaigned for people with disabilities.
I don’t want to pose with any gesture or particular pose because they are open to interpretation without the context. I still support women and gender equality.”
Carolina Dallana
“International Women’s Day is important to be able to show our true value and the strength that a woman is today. It’s important to celebrate and remember the women who gained freedom from everything we have today.
In my field, women are much more independent and seeking more professional evolution, even building their family and they know that their profession is as important as their family, knowing how to share the tasks so that they can travel, study and work in another country.”
Interview with Lucie Pollard
As part of celebrating International Women’s Day, we also spoke to Lucie Pollard, UWS London Campus Director.
In the interview, she speaks about what International Women’s Day means to her, the first time she experienced bias, women she admires and how she thinks women’s roles have changed over the past 20 years.
Check out the full International Women’s Day interview with Lucie Pollard.
