Jessica Allison – Partnership Account Manager, Incorpore

What does embracing equity mean to you?

Embracing equity, to me, means acknowledging and accepting the unique needs and experiences of an individual. Everyone deserves acceptance and equal opportunity regardless of their gender, race, religion, ability, etc. It is important to recognize our own privileges and understand that we are all not working on an even playing field. With this considered, it is our responsibility to make necessary adjustments to combat these imbalances, so everyone feels safe, heard, and valued, in the workplace and in our everyday lives.

How does your association/company embrace equity?

Incorpore is committed to valuing diversity and seeks to provide all staff with the opportunity for career and personal development. We believe that people from different backgrounds can bring fresh ideas, thinking and approaches which makes the way we work more effective and efficient.

Throughout your career, have you seen a change in how companies have embraced equity in the work place?

Yes, I believe it has become very important for organisations to make a statement regarding their stance and actions to ensure equity in the workplace.

What more do you think society could do to embrace equity?

This is a great question but very complex, I understand there is no overnight fix for society to embrace equity and it may take hundreds of years for it to be truly considered. Even though there are some countries that have set a standard in many areas of equity, there is a lot of work still to be done. Not to mention countless societies and cultural mindsets that are still far, far behind on embracing equity. Women in the western world still face adversity everyday and are marginalised simply because of their gender let alone sexual orientation, race, ability, or religion. I think as an individual we can embrace equity by speaking up against insensitive comments, listening to other people's perspective and giving everyone a voice to be heard. Hopefully one day, society will follow.

Is there a person or company who has inspired you with their approach towards embracing equity? Can you tell us about them?

There are so many amazing women that are actively doing the work or have made accomplishments in their life on a large scale to embrace equity. I personally have found inspiration from Michelle Obama, Malala Yousafzai, Jacinda Ardern, Princess Diana, to name a few. There are also many women, that I have been blessed to know personally, who have inspired me by embracing their voice, background, beliefs, and values such as family members, ancestors, colleagues, associates, and friends. Some of these women use photography and other platforms to inspire equity in their communities and the world. I am grateful to learn from these women and be inspired to use my voice and take action in my life to help others.

Elena Dragomir – Marketing Manager and Debbie Lewis – Senior Marketing Manager, Liverpool Victoria

What does embracing equity mean to you?

Ellie:

I believe that committing to a shared purpose and set of values will help create better outcomes for the people we come in contact with. Embracing equity also means we think and behave at an individual, team and organisational level to deliver healthy and empowered relationships and gender equality.

We owe it to ourselves, as women, and each other to promote a rich and flourishing culture and celebrate diversity!

How does your association/company embrace equity?

Debbie:

Everyone's different, and that's a vital part of our success!

At LV=, doing the right thing for our customers, colleagues, and communities is at the forefront of everything we do. It's not just a mission or a vision, it's a commitment embedded into our culture.

Embracing equity is paramount to a successful and happy workforce. For LV=, it's about creating a sense of belonging for everyone who works here so that everyone feels valued and respected for their individual contribution and feels comfortable bringing their true self to work.

Throughout your career, have you seen a change in how companies have embraced equity in the work place?

Ellie:

Throughout their 170-year history, LV= has put their people and customers at the heart of everything they do.

For me, being a woman means being strong and decisive as well as vulnerable, firm and empathetic too, passionate and delicate.

The LV= values – 'Be Brave', 'Inspire Trust', 'With Heart' and 'Everyone Counts' &ndash are more than just words on a wall. People from across the business have created them, sharing the same commitment to creating a positive culture that respects and values individuals' differences.

What more do you think society could do to embrace equity?

Debbie:

Transformation and growth require discomfort, unease, and making mistakes. That doesn't make it easy; many of us struggle to be uncomfortable, to sit in that place where we don't know all the answers, and to accept our imperfections and the work we still have to do.

I believe everybody counts! By committing to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, I want to see everyone is valued as an individual. I want everyone to participate in every aspect of their life and achieve their potential!

Is there a person or company who has inspired you with their approach towards embracing equity? Can you tell us about them?

Ellie:

Working in LV= gives me a voice and allows me to give a helping hand to our communities so they can thrive.

I'm proud to be part of LV='s volunteering programme, a 4,000-strong workforce with a huge range of skills and expertise willing to lend a hand and volunteer in the local communities where our offices are located.