Dublin / New York, March 8, 2024

In celebration of International Women's Day 2024, with its campaign theme "Inspire Inclusion" and overarching theme "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," Waystone Administration Solutions sits down with Karen Malone, Global Head of Product.

Karen shares her views on fostering an inclusive society and the importance of supporting women's empowerment.

 

Q1: Reflecting on this year's International Women's Day theme, "Inspire Inclusion," how do you see Waystone fostering an inclusive environment for women?
"Waystone is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued. With a long-standing practice of flexible working arrangements, we've consistently improved accessibility and welcomed a diverse talent pool. This approach has cultivated teams rich in varied backgrounds and cultures, significantly enriching our perspectives and fuelling innovation."

Q2: The 2024 campaign emphasizes "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress." How does Waystone support this initiative, and what impact have you observed?
"Investing in women is at the core of our ethos. We actively support women's professional growth through mentorship programs, leadership training, and promoting gender equality in leadership roles. This investment has led to significant progress, not only in empowering women within our organization but also in contributing to the broader industry's evolution towards gender parity."

Q3: Can you share an example of how Waystone's investment in women has led to tangible outcomes or success stories within the organization?
"Absolutely. We've seen numerous success stories where women, through their hard work, dedication, and the supportive environment at Waystone, have risen to leadership positions. These women have become role models, inspiring others and fostering a culture of empowerment and equality. Their achievements underscore the importance of investing in women's development and the positive ripple effects it creates throughout the organization."

Q4: In line with this year's theme, how do you personally #InspireInclusion within your team and the wider industry?
"Inspiring inclusion starts with leading by example. I strive to create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives, knowing they are valued. Beyond our walls, I engage in industry discussions, share best practices, and advocate for policies that support gender equality and inclusion. It's about building a community that champions diversity and recognizes its strength."

Q5: Looking forward, what steps do you believe are crucial for accelerating progress towards gender equality in the workplace?
"Accelerating progress requires a multifaceted approach. It's crucial to continue advocating for flexible work policies, provide mentorship opportunities, and ensure equal representation in leadership. Equally important is addressing unconscious bias and fostering a culture that celebrates diversity. By taking these steps, we can build a more equitable workplace where everyone can thrive."

About International Women's Day
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific. Visit www.internationalwomensday.com/