International Women's Day 2023
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.
#IWD23 Embrace equity
International Women's Day 2023 and beyond, let's all fully #EmbraceEquity. The IWD 2023 campaign theme drives worldwide understanding why Equal opportunities aren't enough!
In a changing landscape our founder, Natalie realised that in order for her to create and lead a workforce of experienced and skilled workers, that the narrative had to change around ‘working from home’ and encouraging opportunity within her team to accommodate their individual needs.
This #IWD we talked to members of our MOS team that are first time mums and those that live in regional parts of Australia to find out their thoughts on embracing equity for women and how flexibility, opportunity and encouragement has led them to where they are today.
In a changing landscape our founder, Natalie realised that in order for her to create and lead a workforce of experienced and skilled workers, that the narrative had to change around ‘working from home’ and encouraging opportunity within her team to accommodate their individual needs.
This #IWD we talked to members of our MOS team that are first time mums and those that live in regional parts of Australia to find out their thoughts on embracing equity for women and how flexibility, opportunity and encouragement has led them to where they are today.
B. - digital marketing and ecommerce specialist
- What were some of the challenges you faced when looking to re-enter the workforce after having a baby?
Flexibility. Finding a position that would allow me to spend enough time with my daughter and be available if she needed me unexpectedly was really important for me. Going back to work certainly ups your skills of organisation to be prepared to do your work and be there for your children. MOS allows me to fulfil my need for creativity and still enjoy being a stay-at-home mum.
- How does your position at MOS fit into your mum/work lifestyle?
Perfectly (thank goodness). I work part time with MOS and full time with my daughter. I am able to enjoy my hours each week and put my brain back to work in a technical way, all while making 10,000 snacks, 4,000 outfit changes and endless baby chats about which toy is her favourite that second.
- How do you believe that embracing equity can change the workforce for the better?
It’s tricky for parents going back to work, we have come so far yet we still have so far to go. For the workforce to embrace equity, would open endless opportunities for everyone. There are still so many stigmas out there around women, parents, remote-working and how it is all meant to benefit both sides. With a fairer playing field more parents would be willing to face the workforce again. The right person would be found for the right role and both employers and employees would benefit from adaptable roles within remote working.
Flexibility. Finding a position that would allow me to spend enough time with my daughter and be available if she needed me unexpectedly was really important for me. Going back to work certainly ups your skills of organisation to be prepared to do your work and be there for your children. MOS allows me to fulfil my need for creativity and still enjoy being a stay-at-home mum.
- How does your position at MOS fit into your mum/work lifestyle?
Perfectly (thank goodness). I work part time with MOS and full time with my daughter. I am able to enjoy my hours each week and put my brain back to work in a technical way, all while making 10,000 snacks, 4,000 outfit changes and endless baby chats about which toy is her favourite that second.
- How do you believe that embracing equity can change the workforce for the better?
It’s tricky for parents going back to work, we have come so far yet we still have so far to go. For the workforce to embrace equity, would open endless opportunities for everyone. There are still so many stigmas out there around women, parents, remote-working and how it is all meant to benefit both sides. With a fairer playing field more parents would be willing to face the workforce again. The right person would be found for the right role and both employers and employees would benefit from adaptable roles within remote working.
JL. - Global Brand Manager
- How does your position at MOS fit into your work lifestyle?
I’m the Global Brand Manager at MOS, and the business has been very understanding and flexible with both where I live & what I do outside of the office (I teach Pilates part-time!). The nature of this industry and type of role means that you naturally find yourself working whenever you have a spare moment, however, MOS encourage work/life balance, allow me to be based remote (3 hours outside of Sydney) and allow me to choose my own hours to best fit my productivity levels, and commitments.
- How do you believe that embracing equity can change the workforce for the better?
We need to go below the surface in ensuring we champion women, encouraging the conversation for a more inclusive and equal future. Embracing equity brings what is below the surface to the forefront, forcing the lense onto businesses to truly (and in a more real way) address how they approach women and positive change.
- What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced in seeking employment in your field whilst living within regional Australia?
Simply finding the roles that allowed remote work full time! A lot of businesses in the fashion field don’t support a fully remote role, as they believe that being in the office is most productive. Many jobs offered part of the week in the office and part at home, however being 3-hours outside of the CBD would’ve meant over 6 hours of travel time on those days travelling into the office – it just wasn’t feasible for me. Living in a regional centre has had a positive impact on my mental health and physical health, and I had no intention of moving to the CBD for work. Most of my role is done on a computer, and what can’t be, I happily travel.
I’m the Global Brand Manager at MOS, and the business has been very understanding and flexible with both where I live & what I do outside of the office (I teach Pilates part-time!). The nature of this industry and type of role means that you naturally find yourself working whenever you have a spare moment, however, MOS encourage work/life balance, allow me to be based remote (3 hours outside of Sydney) and allow me to choose my own hours to best fit my productivity levels, and commitments.
- How do you believe that embracing equity can change the workforce for the better?
We need to go below the surface in ensuring we champion women, encouraging the conversation for a more inclusive and equal future. Embracing equity brings what is below the surface to the forefront, forcing the lense onto businesses to truly (and in a more real way) address how they approach women and positive change.
- What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced in seeking employment in your field whilst living within regional Australia?
Simply finding the roles that allowed remote work full time! A lot of businesses in the fashion field don’t support a fully remote role, as they believe that being in the office is most productive. Many jobs offered part of the week in the office and part at home, however being 3-hours outside of the CBD would’ve meant over 6 hours of travel time on those days travelling into the office – it just wasn’t feasible for me. Living in a regional centre has had a positive impact on my mental health and physical health, and I had no intention of moving to the CBD for work. Most of my role is done on a computer, and what can’t be, I happily travel.
J. - Graphic Designer
- What were some of the challenges you faced when looking to re-enter the workforce after having a baby?
After being with my kids every day for almost 2 years, I was definitely ready to get back to a regular job. I did have quite a bit of trouble finding them a spot into a daycare and basically had to juggle working from home with my kids around me. It's not ideal but it's not forever.
- How does your position at MOS fit into your mum/work lifestyle?
It's the best! I've had days where I couldn't work a full day because of sick bubs or other commitment and I've been able to have flexibility with this. Also, working from home has helped me spend more time with the kids or do stuff around the house as I don't have to commute to the city.
How does it make you feel that opportunities like this become available for working mums?
It's so important to help out mums going back to work. You're not only working at your job, you're working double time as you get home to be a mum. You also no longer take sick days for yourself, you take to help your sick kids. Flexibility and an understanding work environment is a must.
After being with my kids every day for almost 2 years, I was definitely ready to get back to a regular job. I did have quite a bit of trouble finding them a spot into a daycare and basically had to juggle working from home with my kids around me. It's not ideal but it's not forever.
- How does your position at MOS fit into your mum/work lifestyle?
It's the best! I've had days where I couldn't work a full day because of sick bubs or other commitment and I've been able to have flexibility with this. Also, working from home has helped me spend more time with the kids or do stuff around the house as I don't have to commute to the city.
How does it make you feel that opportunities like this become available for working mums?
It's so important to help out mums going back to work. You're not only working at your job, you're working double time as you get home to be a mum. You also no longer take sick days for yourself, you take to help your sick kids. Flexibility and an understanding work environment is a must.
A note from the founder
I recognise that it is important when growing a brand, to build a team around you that see your vision and can bring that to life. Being a woman and a working mother myself, I often see the struggles faced by new mums when returning to the workforce. The lack of access for women to utilise their skillset when they live in regional areas of the country.
I want to be able to offer my team the support and opportunities to utilise their experience to continue forward with their career, but also have the flexibility to be at home with their children and to work in with their home lives.
To me embracing equity, in the meaning of this IWD, is something I aim to consider in my decisions when building the team and growing the business. Amplifying opportunities, nurturing talent, and supporting women, are all things that are important to me & the MOS business.
I want to be able to offer my team the support and opportunities to utilise their experience to continue forward with their career, but also have the flexibility to be at home with their children and to work in with their home lives.
To me embracing equity, in the meaning of this IWD, is something I aim to consider in my decisions when building the team and growing the business. Amplifying opportunities, nurturing talent, and supporting women, are all things that are important to me & the MOS business.
