Embracing equity in Waikato on International Women’s Day – and every day
As a University that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, International Women’s Day, held annually on 8 March, holds a special place in the Waikato calendar. We are proud that the number of staff on the leadership team who identify as women rivals the number who identify as men.
The Waikato Women in Leadership programme provides women who are or aspire to be leaders at the University an opportunity to develop their leadership capabilities and enhance their networks.
The programme runs from April until November and includes one-on-one mentoring, peer mentoring by colleagues and monthly workshops delivered by in-house experts covering topics from cultural leadership to career planning and University finances.
Now in its third year, the programme was launched by Professor Robyn Longhurst, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Bryony James, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Dr Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori, Dr Keaka Hemi, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific, and former staff members Nikki Thomas, Director Organisational Development and Wellness and Hanlie Du Plessis, Director Human Resources.
“Given that we have a number of women in senior roles including three women in DVC roles at the University, we saw an opportunity to create a community and forge a pathway for other women to move into these roles” Professor Longhurst says.
“We have had great support, particularly from our mentors. Without them the programme wouldn’t exist. Last year we had more women apply than we could accept so we know there is real demand,” says Professor Longhurst.
Associate Professor Dr Melanie Ooi was in the inaugural programme as a mentee, and came back as a mentor last year. She says the mentorship aspect of the programme has been incredibly rewarding.
“Imposter syndrome is a very real thing, especially for women,” Melanie says. “When I was asked to be mentor, I wasn’t sure I could do it but the opportunity to work closely with someone, to help them and inspire confidence and watch them grow… It is a real privilege to be part of it.
“A mentor is someone who helps you develop as a person. They provide a network which is incredibly valuable, particularly in my field of engineering. Being able to access people who encourage, champion and celebrate success is so important.”
Melanie says women often second guess themselves when it comes to career progression or direction. She says having a mentor who can encourage you to believe in yourself and take practical steps to move forward can be life-changing.
“I had a boss who told me I wasn’t ready to progress to the next stage of my career. My mentor told me to write the submission anyway. That way even if I didn’t get the promotion, I would have a clear idea of what I needed to do to make it through to the next step. Simply not applying would not have given me that insight.
“Having someone say ‘write it anyway’ made all the difference.” And yes, Melanie got the promotion.
Professor Longhurst says the University is gradually building a community of practice, “because alumni from the programme can go on to become mentors themselves, it opens the door for the next cohort of women to follow them,” she says.
She encouraged people to think more broadly about equity, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day.
“I think there are still some who don’t understand the difference between equity and equality. It’s not a level playing field and to have true inclusion people require different resources and actions, depending on where they are starting from.”
Professor Longhurst says while embracing gender equity it’s also important to think about equity across other areas.
