The day also marks a call to action for the world to come together and accelerate gender equality. This year the theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. IWD is an important day for Simone Perele to celebrate, as we are a brand designed by woman, for woman its important we support this global initiative.
We asked 8 very inspiring women what International women’s day means to them and how they inspire inclusion in their respective communities every day.
FIRST NATION WOMAN & ARTIST
RACHAEL SARRA
Rachael Sarra is an artist who embodies her experience as a proud mixed race, First Nations woman from Goreng Goreng Country through her creative works. Driven by a belief that art and design are vital to communication, connection and culture, Rachael invites us to see the world through her eyes with bold colours and dynamic contours. Her distinct contemporary style is resonating around the world, and challenging societal perceptions of Aboriginal art and identity.
What does IWD mean to you?
IWD as a single day doesn’t mean a whole lot to me. But the sentiment of what it means and stands for 365 days is not only important but powerful too.
Who is the most influential woman in your life?
Women have always played a huge role in my life and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my mum. She is one of the hardest working people I know and she’s always been such a huge influence. Her and Dolly Parton.
How do you support and inspire women’s inclusion in your everyday life?
For me, as a First Nations woman it’s all about taking up space and embodying the strength that has been passed down through my ancestors.
AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIAN
LIZ PARNOVA
Liz Parnova is the winner of Australian Survivor 2023: Heroes v Villains and a former Australian Track and Field athlete and a dual Olympian. Liz is a 4x Australian National Pole Vaulting Champion, a silver medallist in World Youth & World Junior Championships, as well as the Youth Olympic Games. Liz also represented Australia in the London Olympics as the youngest ever female pole-vaulter aged 18 and again in 2020 for the Tokyo Games.
What does IWD mean to you?
IWD to me is a day where we champion women. From mums to CEO’s all women deserve to be celebrated and appreciated. Although it does make me sad that we need a dedicated day to highlight IWD, women should be admired every day!
Who is the most influential woman in your life?
Definitely my mum. My parents moved from Russia to Australia in the 90s, the sacrifice and selflessness my mum demonstrated through those early years of navigating a new country and language is so inspiring to me.
How do you support and inspire women’s inclusion in your everyday life?
By uplifting and backing the women around me. Celebrating achievements whether they be big or small.
GRANDDAUGHTER OF SIMONE PERELE
Stephanie Bujard – Brand director
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to highlight dedicated and daring women, like my grandmother Simone Perele. In 1948, when my grandmother founded her own brand, it was just after the end of the war, and it’s quite rare for women to create their own brand, even more so with their own name.
We want to pay tribute to these women who are audacious and confident, and sometimes, don’t even realise how bold they are. She loved working with other people loved seeing them grow and I think that’s what makes the values so true and why we hold dear those same values in our family business today.
Paige McLean ~ Marketing and Digital Assistant
Who is the most influential woman in your life?
My mother. Growing up on a farm in rural Victoria, during major drought and hardships, her ability to continually persevere whilst also providing a fruitful and fun upbringing for her children, has shown me that women are capable of so much more than what is usually recognised.
Stella Elly ~ Hawthorn Flagship Store Manager
How do you support and inspire women’s inclusion in your everyday life?
I do everything in my power to make my store a space that everyone feels included, safe and welcome in. Every woman is completely unique and we acknowledge and welcome this, whenever a woman comes in for a bra fitting it's all about making her feel her best. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing women rediscover a new side of femininity and confidence of herself.
Tace Parr ~ e-Commerce Manager
Who is the most influential woman in your life?
This is a challenging question as there have been several remarkable women who have played significant roles in shaping my perspectives and guiding me through different stages of my life. From teaching me the importance of resilience, compassion, and perseverance along with the values of empathy, integrity, and hard work all of which have played a part in shaping me into the person I am today.
Alexandra Stojceski ~ Miranda Cluster Manager
How do you support and inspire women’s inclusion in your everyday life?
Working alongside women with women is one of the best jobs anyone could ask for. Helping women find their new found confidence is something I strive for on a day to day basis. If I make 1 lady feel confident a day I know I have done something right.
Michelle Parkin ~ QLD Regional Manager
What does IWD mean to you?
To me it’s a day to celebrate all types of women, to lift each other up, to empower each other to recognise and celebrate women of all types and to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment for women of all backgrounds. I think International Women's day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive society where every woman, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or socioeconomic status, has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. It’s about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes and creating a world where all individuals are valued and respected for their unique perspectives and talents.