In an organisation dominated by women, OCS New Zealand proudly supports raising up aspirations of women every day. With an OCS ANZ executive leadership team made up of 62.5 per cent women, it’s no surprise that we also have several women as part of our strategic Advisory Group.
Laura Scampion, Country Managing Partner of DLA Piper New Zealand, sits on the OCS Advisory Group and is a passionate advocate for raising women up.
“Collectively, we need to provide opportunities for young women – that’s the only way to break the gender bias,” says Laura.
“Despite the leaps and bounds in equality for women, it’s still women who pick up the bulk of the childcare and home roles – which makes it harder to get ahead at work. Women stay in lower-paid roles not advancing in order to be able to make that juggle more manageable.
“It’s not about talent – talent is everywhere. It’s the opportunities that aren’t. Everyone needs to wake up to that – it’s not sustainable otherwise. My drive is not to rest until we see more leadership roles for women – and those women feel empowered to be themselves, making decisions and bringing their own qualities to the leadership table. Not just having to take what’s offered.
“As employers and leaders, we need to spot that talent, nurture it and provide opportunities for women to break into leadership roles. Acknowledging the flexibility that’s needed for working mothers, and we need to recognise the social impact.”
Laura has two children of her own so knows the juggle of parenting a teenage son (14) and a tween daughter (11). Despite having a husband who helps carry the load, she understands that for some women, the juggle is even harder.
“It’s hard as a working mother to try and be all things to all people. What I’ve come to realise is that it’s important to try not to sweat the small stuff – delegate effectively and celebrate every day!
“Don’t just have one ‘career highlight’. For me, it’s the fact that every day I manage to get two healthy kids to school who have friends, are well adjusted, pass their schooling and are kind young people. Parenting and working are completely intertwined – those everyday moments are what’s worth celebrating.
“My one piece of advice to every working mother – you’re amazing. Stop and celebrate the small stuff, those little achievements we make every day.”
This International Women’s Day we salute women everywhere – and especially our working mothers who manage to give it their all despite the school juggle, the sleepless nights and the ‘mother guilt’. Thank you – for what you do as a parent, as a partner, a daughter and as a team member.