When asking Aileen Onley Procurement and Commercial Services Leader why International Women’s Day is important to her, she highlighted the importance to recognise and honour the accomplishments of all people.
“It is important that everyone regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual preference, age, or who they barrack for in the footy – is treated not just fairly but equally.”
Aileen who has worked at Southern Rural Water for the past seven months has a long history of working in male-dominated industries in finance and management positions.
Despite positive experiences around professional growth and advancement, Aileen has seen gender discrimination, such as only accepting male applicants and having her expertise challenged due to her gender. “It is difficult to justify the previous actions due to the significant transformation that has now taken place on gender diversity,” she said.
Strong female leadership was the key to Aileen gaining confidence in herself in male-dominated workforces.
“I worked with Catherine Roberts who is the Air Vice Marshall in the Air Force,” Aileen said.
“While working for her I learnt to have confidence in myself as a female in a predominately male-dominated work environment and that it was okay to ask questions and draw attention to concerns.”