Continuing our International Women’s Day series, we’re pleased to present insights from Eunice Chee, Human Resources Manager at IPC Shopping Centre, who embodies a commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace culture.
When reflecting on this year’s theme of ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress,’ Chee feels it aligns with her organisation’s steadfast commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where every individual, regardless of gender, feels valued and empowered.
“For me personally, it highlights the importance of creating a fair and inclusive environment where both women and men are given equal opportunities to excel and advance in their careers, ensuring everyone’s contributions are recognized and celebrated.”
Reflecting on her journey with Ikano Asia, she feels that her organisation has provided holistic opportunities in developing herself. She describes her time as being “characterised by continuous growth, both professionally and personally. Despite being a woman, I have been given many opportunities at work to develop myself, through on-the-job learning, mentoring, coaching, assignments, and various training opportunities. These experiences and investments from my leader and organisation have been instrumental in shaping my career and my overall growth.”
Chee believes that in order to truly support and nurture women’s leadership development, businesses must foster a culture of inclusivity, fairness, and empowerment. This environment enables women to fulfil their potential and take on leadership roles confidently.
“A supportive environment free from gender biases is important in creating a safe space, where women feel encouraged to assert their leadership capabilities and progress in their career at all levels without barriers or prejudice”.
“As a member of the HR team, sometimes we might encounter instances where gender biases and stereotypes have influenced hiring decisions.” Chee considers her role crucial in ensuring that hiring processes prioritise each candidate’s values and potential, and stresses the significance of educating and collaborating with the leadership team to advocate for diversity and inclusion company-wide.
She firmly believes that by underscoring the benefits of a diverse workforce, and working together to overcome these challenges, they can collectively foster a workplace that is more equitable for all.