_Forging her own path: Insights from an industry trailblazer

What do you consider your most significant achievement as a woman in your field, and how did you overcome any challenges?

As a woman, I believe one of the most important achievements in Human Resources is promoting gender equality. This accomplishment reflects on an individual level, with ripple effects on the organisation.

One of my most significant achievements has been the design and implementation of inclusive policies and training programs that support women's development in the workplace. This effort has required addressing gender stereotypes and inequalities by actively advocating for gender equality, raising awareness, and collaborating with other departments to create targeted initiatives.

Another important achievement has been the development and implementation of employee welfare programs that improve working conditions and boost overall job satisfaction. This undertaking has necessitated balancing budget constraints with employee needs, as well as coordinating with management to ensure effective policy implementation.

Establishing effective training and development plans has been crucial in helping employees enhance their skills and achieve career goals. Understanding the unique requirements of different roles and aligning these plans with organizational objectives and budgets has been a key aspect of this challenge.

How do you advocate for gender equality and inclusion in your role or industry, and what advice would you give to other women looking to do the same?

As a woman committed to gender equality and inclusion, actively advocating for these principles within your role and industry is crucial. By driving policies, building support networks, and educating yourself and others, you can become a catalyst for positive change. Here are some practical tips to help you in your journey:

• Becoming an advocate

  Speak up, raise awareness, and participate in discussions centered around gender equality. Encourage colleagues and management to prioritize these issues and participate in related activities.

• Ensuring gender-neutral policies

  Work towards ensuring that company policies and procedures are gender-neutral, providing equal opportunities for all. Advocate for inclusive recruitment and promotion policies to promote fairness in the workplace.

• Building support networks

  Join communities focused on gender equality and inclusivity, sharing experiences, resources, and encouragement with fellow women. Establish mentorship and peer support systems to guide and uplift one another.

• Educating yourself and others

  Continuously learn about gender equality and understand the challenges faced by women from different cultures and backgrounds. Share this knowledge with colleagues and team members to promote understanding and respect.

  We all face adversity and setbacks in our careers, but it's how we respond to these challenges that shape our success. In this article, I share a personal story of overcoming adversity as a young woman in the banking industry, highlighting the lessons learned.

Can you share an example of a time when you faced adversity or setback as a woman in your field and how you overcame it to achieve success?

At 17 years old, I began working in the customer service department of a foreign bank. My lack of financial knowledge made it challenging to perform well, leading to an extended probation period and feelings of exhaustion from balancing daytime classes with evening work. Despite everyone advising me to give up, I persisted.

My determination paid off, and I eventually became a permanent employee. Over the next eight years, I played a key role in helping the company relocate the customer service department overseas to reduce costs. I also participated in bank system testing and learned valuable problem-solving skills while handling customer complaints.

This experience taught me the importance of perseverance, resilience, and continuous learning. By facing adversity head-on and refusing to give up, I developed the skills and confidence necessary to grow personally and professionally.

Any unique career highlights?

My career journey has taken me on unique places, from Urumqi, a city in Xinjiang, China, to Taiwan, where I currently work. During my time in Xinjiang, I worked on the Orchid Garden project, a commercial real estate and sustainable community development aimed at creating self-sufficient neighborhoods. This experience, along with my visit to the Findhorn Eco-Village in Scotland, UK, profoundly shaped my understanding of sustainable living and community development.

Read more inspiring stories here.

You can keep up with the ongoing conversation on social media by following the hashtag #KFInspireInclusion.