Happy International Womens Day
International Women's Day is a globally recognised day that is observed on the 8th of March every year. The day is celebrated to recognise the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the world. It is also a day to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles and challenges that women face in achieving gender equality and empowerment.
The theme for International Women's Day varies each year, with recent themes focusing on issues such as gender parity, women's rights, and women's leadership. This year, however, the focus is on embracing equity.
International Women's Day is an important reminder that gender equality is essential for the progress and development of societies worldwide. It is a call to action for everyone to work towards creating a more equal and just world for all genders.
In honour of this significant day, we sat down with some of the incredible women that keep Stones of the Yarra Valley and Meletos running so seamlessly.
Let us introduce you…
We asked our Creative Director Vonnie and some of our wonderful team, Fiona, Teesha, Blon and Rebecca some questions about being a woman and the importance of International Womens Day. To our team, this is not only important to get to know the wonderful women that we work with, but to highlight how incredible it is to be a woman and what we can do as we strive for equity.
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Vonnie: Starting with an 1860s derelict abandoned Barn in 2005, we were able to create a beautiful wedding venue that I am so incredibly proud of. We had a crazy dream and through a lot of blood, sweat and tears (and then more tears), we have achieved our dream. We then continued to build The Stables, Meletos, The Farmhouse, The Providore, The Dayroom and No7.
Fiona: I love the moment just before the bride walks down the aisle. I love the intimacy and the anticipation. It’s a privilege to open The Chapel doors and see the ceremony unfold perfectly.
Rebecca: Working through post-Covid times in the Private & Corporate Events world (along with the rest of the world). I had postponements, cancellations, new bookings and so many other factors to work through whilst rebuilding our team. It was a fast-paced work environment and there was always something exciting happening behind the scenes and we all got through it.
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Vonnie: Without doubt my proudest moments as a woman was to have 3 fantastic children. My sons are adults now, and I have always felt that as a mother I know I will always love them no matter what, but to be able to say that I really like them as people is a great achievement that I’m very proud of.
Fiona: Moving to the Middle East solo in my twenties. Doing the Oxfam 100km walk in less than 24 hours and of course giving birth to three incredible humans! There are also little daily moments that bring me joy.
Teesha: As well as my own achievements, I really enjoy watching other women achieve their goals, often through challenging circumstances. We are so strong when we build each other up with support and encouragement.
Rebecca: Without a doubt my two beautiful children Mason & Connor. Being a mum brings a whole new meaning to your world.
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Vonnie: Women who can juggle a busy growing family, a partner, and be able to come to work with a beautiful happy disposition, like our Fiona, inspire me immensely.
Fiona: Creatively - Vonnie, Teesh, Kate and Tali from The Providore are my inspiration! Their floral installations are so breathtaking and always so unique!
In life, it’s the single mothers of our world - they are the ultimate heroes of life.
Blon: I think one woman who I find inspiring is Reece Witherspoon. Whilst best known for being an actress, and starring in the hit rom-com Legally Blonde, she is a fierce woman's advocate and businesswoman. Noticing a huge, and unequal gap in the market for women's stories being ignored in film she began her own production company that focused on making productions centred around strong female roles and stories - as she has said "if you want something done, you have to do it yourself". She played a major role in both the #metoo and #askhermore movements which focus on taking a stand against sexual assault in the workplace and sexist reporting. She encourages women to work hard for what they want, to be ambitious and to be the change they want to see.
I admire her ambition as a businesswoman, her refusal to be underestimated, and her willingness to consistently raise other women up, highlighting the inequality faced by women and constantly fighting for better.
Rebecca: Honestly, working here with so many incredible women at Stones/Meletos. 90% of our departments are headed by incredibly inspirational women; Finance, Wedding Planning, Styling, Sales, Marketing, Housekeeping, and HR, all of these women are so inspiring!
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Vonnie: I try to be positive and to keep believing in myself - this empowers me to continue through the busy and frantic days of weddings. People notice this. The women of the world have a kindred spirit - and when all else fails a very big hug and a good cry helps us all.
Fiona: I stay connected, I notice subtle changes, I always check in and I like to laugh even when times are tough, you just have to find light in the darkness.
Rebecca: Staying positive & building each other up is so important to stick together.
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Vonnie: It is simply an acknowledgment of how great we all are. We all need to continue to multi task our way through life with a smile and a positive mind, and maybe a glass or two of wine.
Fiona: This is a complex question and ultimately I hope we don’t need a dedicated day for this. Women are powerful and enduring - they are entitled to equality, safety, success and freedom. By raising awareness and telling the stories of ordinary and extraordinary women, we can be hopeful for the future.
Blon: I think it's important to celebrate International Women's Day to look back on how far the women's rights movement has come, to acknowledge the women in the world and within our lives that fight for change and to remind ourselves to continue supporting each other, and fighting for better within our own lives, and for women everywhere.
Teesha: It's great to celebrate being a woman now and important to acknowledge those who have come before us to pave the way for ourselves and the Women of the future.
Rebecca: Women are a force to be reckoned with. We are fierce, adaptable, smart, loyal, intelligent, and caring just to name a few. What's not to celebrate?
To our entire female team, thank you for being you! We would love to hear from you - leave a comment on the blog below with your answers to these questions or send us a message on Instagram at @stonesoftheyarravalley.
Happy International Womens Day!
By Georgia Watson, Marketing Coordinator