In Conversation with Our Watch Chair, Natasha Stott Despoja
5 Mar 2021
Learn more about MIMCO’s long-standing partnership with Our Watch.
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In the leadup to International Women’s Day, we sat down with Our Watch Chair Natasha Stott Despoja to speak about the importance of MIMCO’s ongoing support of Our Watch—the national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia.
Watch the video or read the full interview with Natasha below.
Why is MIMCO’s continued support of Our Watch so important?
Our Watch is incredibly grateful for the generous support of MIMCO. Their contribution is so important not only because it raises awareness of the issue, but also it enables us to look at long-term change. Over the last six years, MIMCO has provided more than a million dollars towards vital work that we do in trying to prevent violence against women and children in Australia.
What role do companies and workplaces like MIMCO play in helping equalise access to power, resources and opportunities for men and women?
Look at some of the campaigns that MIMCO has been able to support and promote—the ‘Because Why’ campaign, for example, which challenged rigid gender stereotypes. That made us think about the different roles that men, women or however we identify, can play based on our ability, passion and interest. Not on some siloed notion of gender and what’s been constructed or predetermined for us. MIMCO is helping to spread a message about equality and respect—not only in its own workplace, through society and among consumers but looking at how we can get the next generation to grow up with healthy, ethical relationships.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #ChooseToChallenge, which encourages everyone to call out gender bias and inequality, and to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. How can we all be part of the change?
People often ask me what they can do, and my answer is always, just do something. We can call out bad behaviour or sexist comments. We can support those who are victims and survivors. We can ensure that we have workplaces that are genuinely equal and respectful. We can embed gender equality in our homes by role modelling healthy relationships as parents and as guardians.
We can also celebrate the good. And that’s what I like to do on International Women’s Day – commemorate our achievements, recognise our progress, but at the same time, acknowledge we’ve still got a long way to go.