As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, I’d like to acknowledge the inspiring women who work at and lead VicForests. 

Today you will hear a lot about breaking the glass ceiling and challenging stereotypes. Some businesses have done it well while others have acknowledged there is work to do. 

It makes me proud that in an industry that at times has been stereotyped as being predominantly male, we are led by an array of talented, passionate, high-achieving women with big visions. 

Three of our five board members and five of our eight Executive Team are women while many other organisations associated with forestry around Australia also have women at the top of the chain. 

All areas of our business have strong female leadership right throughout, as well as a host of determined women setting out on their careers with VicForests. 

International Women’s Day comes just a few weeks after International Day for Women and Girls in Science. The overwhelming message from that day and the Women in STEM movement overall, is that there is a shortage of women in these fields. This makes me extra proud that VicForests has inspired women to pursue their scientific careers with us and lead a core part of our business. 

As a society we have come a long way but it is important that we continue to pave the way for future generations to build on the work done by the women who came before them. 

I am fortunate that I have very rarely felt that my career opportunities were negatively impacted by being a woman.  But I got too used to being the only woman in the room.  And yes – I was once asked to make the coffee (I declined).

Here’s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.   

And let’s celebrate that strength is shown in many diverse ways reflecting different cultures and personalities - and acknowledge the men and boys who never judge value based on gender. 

Happy International Women’s Day. 

Monique Dawson
VicForests CEO