EMBRACE EQUITY

March 8 was International Women’s Day, and the month of March has the enduring flavour of gender equity, encouraging and challenging us to think about the role of women in the world, their barriers to safety, education and employment.

Thinking about the pest management sector, whilst it may be perceived the majority of people employed are male, it’s my perception that, like many industries, it’s fundamentally supported by women.

Women are the backbone of small business in Australia, and the pest management sector is no different. Filling essential roles in administration, finance and operational roles (as well as working in the field), I’ve spoken to many, many women in the industry who share stories of falling in to pest management through family (parents, spouse) and have made the running of the business their life’s work.

For me, International Women’s Day has always been about celebration. Not to ignore the challenges we still face in Australia in pay equity, domestic violence, discrimination and sexual harassment, International Women’s Day presents a focused opportunity to acknowledge women’s roles in our community, the impact of those roles, and how that impact can be amplified with such stellar role models to stand on the shoulders of.

Role models are critical in our society. Seeing strong, successful women running businesses, sharing their stories and encouraging other women to have a go is a fundamental element to increased gender equity.

When girls see women pushing boundaries, thriving in roles traditionally taken up by men, it fosters a belief that they can safely and successfully pursue their goals. Not many girls have an appetite to go where they’re not wanted, where its lonely, and where men make them feel unwelcome.

So men are equally a part of equality for women. They’re equally important role models. When girls and boys see men in workplaces encouraging and supporting women – whether they’re pest technicians, admin or running the whole show - this becomes their normality, they less likely to form gender biases and they enter the workforce with that lens of equality across genders.

I often get asked how people can support change for a better go for women.

My answer is always the same:

• get involved

• get educated

• start small

• do what you can

At home, consider what roles are being modelled to your children or extended family. Is the domestic work shared equally? Or does the female take care of the majority of cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, bill paying whilst the male goes to work and does the lawns on Saturdays? This may be your dynamic and maybe it works for you. The important thing is to consider it and to have discussions about why that works (or to challenge it if it doesn’t).

In the workplace, does everyone in your organization understand the fundamental roles the female staff play? Is that valued, celebrated and is there a culture of the techs and the office working in partnership rather than opposition?

Does your recruitment process foster diversity, or are you recruiting in your own image? How might you advertise differently to attract women to your business, or indeed the pest management sector itself?

If you’re at a bit of a loss to have these conversations or make small changes, consider looking at some educational resources on gender equity:

• www. internationalwomensday. com

• The Workplace Gender Equality Agency www.wgea. gov.au

• The National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality www.pmc.gov.au

The Australian Women’s Pest Management Association (AWPMA) was formed to empower relationships with women in the pest management industry.

Their events and Facebook group are a great way to get educated and involved and make a difference in this sector.

Perhaps that’s a great place to start – reach out and connect with likeminded women, even if it’s a simple Facebook post – “Hey, I’d really like to learn from other women around here. Can anyone help?”

This month really does present a great opportunity to be the change you want to see in the world, one that embraces women and provides them with equal access to education, employment and safety.