What does ‘For Women, By Women’ mean to you?

For women, by women, for me is about lifting everyone. To make sure that everyone's included, seen, and heard.

This year’s International Women’s Day Theme is ‘Balance the Scales’, what does that mean to you personally?

Every day, we hear from women who are really finding it difficult to navigate a healthcare system that was not for women, and certainly was not set up by women. And our role is to balance the scales and make sure women are seen in the healthcare system, and that they are treated as a whole person, not just their diagnosis. And that is what balancing the whole system is about: making sure we see an individual for who they are and care for them in the way that's right for them. 

How is the BCNA partnership with Sussan a strong example of women supporting women?

This partnership between Sussan and Breast Cancer Network Australia is so powerful because it reaches communities right across Australia. No matter who the women are, no matter where they live, our partnership can help develop real change to really connect women affected by breast cancer. And I know that we are much stronger together. And that is the power of women coming together. 

This year’s International Women’s Day Theme is ‘Balance the Scales’, what does that mean to you personally?

So for me, Balance The Scales, is about fairness and not favouritism. In my work across agriculture, fashion, and the global supply chain, it's so important to bring women's voices to the table, especially in decision-making positions where they have real experience to influence decisions, not based on the business's hierarchical structure. 

What does ‘For Women, By Women’ mean to you?

It means designing opportunities with real intent. Realising that there are mental loads and career pauses in women's lives, but still recognising the value of the leadership and ambition of women.

What does women supporting women look like in an industry like agriculture that is traditionally male-dominated?

So, women supporting women is all about collaboration, not competitiveness. It's about supporting one another, being there for one another, and having each other's back, even when you're not in the room. It's so important to create those spaces where we can come together, ask those questions, and really grow together as women.

This year’s International Women’s Day Theme is ‘Balance the Scales’, what does that mean to you personally?

For me, Balancing The Scales means taking the time to pause, reflect, and really prioritise how I'm going to spend my time and energy. I think as women, we get really swept up in juggling all the aspects of our lives, and we often make compromises and don't realise what we're giving up just to meet the needs of day-to-day life. 

I really think it's an opportunity for us to take time to reflect on what we need to invest our time and energy in to bring us fulfilment and long-term rewards. 

What does ‘For Women, By Women’ mean to you?

The older I get, the more I truly appreciate all the amazing women around me in my personal and professional life. The Sussan team is made up of an amazing group of women who are diverse in age and outlook, and we really enjoy bringing our customers beautiful, quality clothing that can be part of every aspect of their lives. I love working for a brand where we can be part of and celebrate every aspect of a woman's life. 

What does IWD mean to you as a woman working on sustainability and sourcing?

To me, it means opportunity. We're in a really pivotal time of change within the fashion industry. There's never been more focus on accountability and impact. With accreditations like B Corp, it's a really amazing time for brands like Sussan, within the Sussan Group, to do better. As a woman in the industry, it's really amazing to work for a purpose-led company.

This year’s International Women’s Day Theme is ‘Balance the Scales’, what does that mean to you personally?

For me personally, Balance the Scales is a call to action to close the gap. Each year, we’re seeing statistics for women show those scales getting further and further apart — and women shouldn’t be statistics. It’s not a call to take resources away from others; it’s simply about closing the gap to create equality.

How do the women in your life empower you?

The emotional intelligence of women is empowering. I think the ability to take vulnerability and turn it into confidence, and then into strength, is incredibly powerful. It feels good to be around that. It reminds you to be strong, especially when you have that energy around you.

What does ‘For Women, By Women’ mean to you?

I think For Women, By Women really focuses on the intention behind an action. So, women who have similar lived experiences are smashing the same goals and breaking the same boundaries. It’s that shared context and intention that’s really building you up and leads to the best outcomes.

How does womanhood influence the way you create and tell stories through your art?

I’m a deep-feeler, so I draw from anything relevant in my life — and there’s nothing quite like womanhood and the community that comes with it. So naturally, I pull from that. The softness, the strength … it’s a really easy place to find inspiration.

What does ‘For Women, By Women’ mean to you?

For me, it's about women designing for women, because we genuinely get it. We understand that life gets busy and bodies change. It's also about recognising the amazing loyalty of our VIP customers who continue to choose us and trust us year after year.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It makes me think about everyday women and everything we juggle. It's a reminder to celebrate women at every stage of life, not just the big moments. 

What sets Sussan apart when it comes to understanding women?

We listen to our customers, and we take their feedback on board. Comfort, value, and quality aren't nice-to-haves for us; they’re essential. 

How do our store teams support women through different stages of life?

By creating a warm, welcoming space where our customers feel comfortable being themselves. There's a real sense of trust, familiarity and connection with our customers.

You’ve been with the business for over 20 years. What are your proudest moments to date?

Watching women join the business and choose retail as a long-term career. Supporting women into leadership roles and watching their confidence grow — this could be early in their career, or after returning to work, or after starting a family. Seeing a strong connection between our store team members and their customers, and how those relationships often turn into genuine friendships, but most of all, knowing that the work we do makes a genuine difference.