Madison Marcus toasts to International Women’s Day with high tea, workshop

Madison Marcus toasted to International Women’s Day at a high tea breakfast and workshop that called for both men and women in the firm’s global offices to #EmbraceEquity.

Entitled Empowering Her, the event sought to “promote and forge a more gender-equal world, fighting the bias to embrace equality and equity”, Madison Marcus said. It also looked to support the navigation of changes in work and personal lives, and to aid in mapping out “an inspiring and meritorious career path”.

Parramatta managing partner and director Theresa Armstrong hosted the event alongside guest speaker Sascha Moore, while marketing manager Kira Zanotti spearheaded workshop activities.

“We’re of an age where spindles from the tightly bound knot of deeply embedded expectations are loosening and we increasingly have the privilege of choice that our forebearers could never have dreamt of – both professionally and personally. While we actively champion inclusion, diversity and empowerment, we seem to be ingrained in a psyche that hasn’t quite caught up to the age. We’re often still subconsciously trapped in deeply entrenched paradigms about success, love and life,” Moore pointed out.

Zanotti led a group activity promoting Lean In Circles and peer support, which all teams across the offices participated in. Australasian Lawyer embraced the opportunity to partake in the festivities through representatives Sharon Gray and Stephanie Sandrone, who joined the attendees at the event in opening up about struggles and sharing achievements. Participants also doled out and accepted advice from one another.

“We believe in providing an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. The Empowering Her event celebrated women's achievements and promoted gender equality in the workplace. By addressing deliberate or unconscious biases and embracing equity, we can build a better future for all”, Armstrong said.

In addition, Empowering Her shared action steps and #EmbraceEquity pledges.

“There’s nothing better than the eye of the storm. And we’re so genuinely fortunate, blessed and truly privileged to be able to see it and choose whether or not we confront it. And whilst uncomfortable at best, the eye of the storm passes. And what’s on the other side is freedom”, Moore said.

“I strongly believe we’re entering a new movement that truly challenges all that we’ve known, accepted and ‘embraced’ in Western society”.

_{Australasian Lawyer’s Sharon Gray and Stephanie Sandrone}