Bad day in the office today.
(long story short: firstly, nobody told me there was gonna be nobody else in the office except me and the 2 bosses :| I should've just stayed home today. What a waste of a Myki day pass...
And on IWD of all days, not only no celebrating at work but nobody to actually celebrate with. So sadness.
Secondly, the Big Boss decides that just because he doesn't understand how to log an IT ticket and didn't like being politely told off by the IT guy, that it is not his fault, but the fault of the IT ticketing platform because it is not easy enough. Additionally, it is also the IT guy's fault that the web form on our website sends emails to junk folder even though they had nothing to do with creating the website or web page, was not consulted on anything, and did not have access to WordPress to check or fix any of the settings (until today). So yes, all their fault and without saying as much, is also my fault for not managing them better.
Fucking over it.
So I spent it writing this piece thinking of uploading it to LinkedIn, but I don't quite think it's the right place for it... so I am sharing it with myself.
As we celebrate International Women's Day and the theme of
"Inspire Inclusion," I find myself reflecting on my journey as an
Asian female working in predominantly white male-dominated industries. What
were the moments that made me feel included? Or excluded? How did I navigate
those challenges? Who were my champions along the way?
Throughout my career, there have been moments where my
ethnicity, gender, and sometimes age have, consciously or unconsciously,
stereotyped me, sticking an invisible label on my head making me feel like I
didn't belong - not just at the table but at times even in the room. If you’ve
ever walked into a room full of old white men as a young Asian woman, you know
what that feels like - and no I’m not there to get the coffee, but if you want
one from me, then it’s gonna be the worse tasting coffee that’ll ever cross
your lips (True story). Or those times when all the boys in the office huddle
together to talk footy (or whatever the topic du jour was) but never consider
that perhaps you have something to contribute too.
While these experiences of not belonging were infrequent for
me, I am aware that many women face similar barriers daily, highlighting the
ongoing battle for inclusivity. I am privileged - fluent in the language,
highly educated, and assertive - attributes that empower me to navigate
challenging situations. Conversely, reflecting on my mother's experience as a
migrant with limited English skills, I witnessed first hand how exclusion can
diminish one's voice and visibility as I watched her shrink and become invisible
in society. However, I also know how amazing she was and how much she could’ve
contributed had she been offered the luxury of inclusion.
Inclusion should not be a luxury; it should be a fundamental
right for all.
It is important to recognise that inclusion should not be
limited to a single day of celebration nor solely the responsibility of one
gender; everyone has a part to play in creating a diverse and equitable
environment where all voices are heard and valued. Being visible and being
heard is the catalyst for change.
And change is happening (albeit at times slowly). By sharing
our stories, advocating for diversity, and challenging biases, we will have
more welcoming and supportive places. I see a future where breaking barriers is
no longer necessary because inclusivity is ingrained in everyone, diverse
voices are amplified, and championing equality becomes second nature to all.
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