On International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, we celebrate all women in our workplace and our lives. We celebrate women’s achievements, contributions, dedication, resilience and the diverse skills and abilities they bring to Sigma Healthcare.
We’re proud of the work we have done to make Sigma a great place to work for everyone – embracing diversity of thought and individual differences, including cultural identity, disability, ethnicity, religious beliefs, education, family and relationship status, gender identity, age, experience, sexual orientation, and caring responsibilities. Endorsed by Work180 as an employer committed to raising workplace standards for women, we continue to support and champion women’s voices to create a diverse and inclusive environment. We foster a work environment of inclusion, relevance and empowerment.
The theme for this year is ‘Accelerate Action’ which emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality, calling for increased momentum in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face.
We are honoured to showcase the voices of women at Sigma and Chemist Warehouse who shared their thoughts about the significance of International Women’s Day and the role they play in forging gender equality.
Rachael Chandler – National Operations and Customer Engagement Manager – Amcal, Sigma Berrinba, QLD
How do you perceive the significance of International Women’s Day in promoting empowerment for everyone?
International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. It is not just about celebrating women’s achievements but also about fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered, regardless of gender. It is an opportunity to reflect, challenge biases, and create spaces where diversity and inclusion thrive.
What crucial message would you like to convey to team members, irrespective of gender, regarding their career journeys?
Your career is a journey, not a destination. Stay curious, embrace challenges, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and your perspective adds value to everyone around you. Support others along the way, success is even more meaningful when it is shared.
Angel King – Team Manager, Sigma Canning Vale, WA
How do you perceive the significance of International Women’s Day in promoting empowerment for everyone?
International Women’s Day reminds me of how brilliant, resilient and amazing we are! To have a celebration that recognises how far we’ve come for equal opportunity is empowering. It’s a day to reflect, yes, but also a time to push toward a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has the chance to thrive.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Accelerate Action’ what does that mean to you?
When I think about this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ it feels like a powerful call to move beyond words and ideas and really make things happen and create tangible, lasting change—whether that’s in the workplace, in society, or in our personal lives.
Lia Mahony – Sigma Chief Pharmacist, Sigma Kemps Creek, NSW
How do you perceive the significance of International Women’s Day in promoting empowerment for everyone?
International Women’s Day is important to me. I grew up believing that I could do anything, I was given the opportunity to pursuit a good career. It is important to continue to encourage other women to follow their professional dreams.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Accelerate Action’ what does that mean to you?
A rising tide raises all ships. This is how I see ‘Accelerate Action‘. I can live and work in my own bubble, or I can live and work looking through the lens of empowering others to grow and expand their career. We all can grow together if I help raise others up.
Melissa Projkoski – Chemist Warehouse Assistant Manager – NSW/ACT, CW Huntingwood, NSW
What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
It’s been great to see more women stepping into leadership roles, it’s not always loud progress, sometimes it’s quiet and that’s where ‘Accelerate Action’ happens. Where we’re not just talking about equality anymore, I’ve seen women in both my personal and work life actually doing the work to make it happen and that’s kept me hopeful.
How do you perceive the significance of International Women’s Day in promoting empowerment for everyone?
I believe IWD is such a special moment, it’s all about celebrating how far we’ve come while giving us a big nudge to keep pushing forward, especially with this year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’. To me, it’s not just about empowering women, but about lifting those around you up. When women get a chance to shine, whether it’s at work, at home, or anywhere else – it creates this amazing ripple effect. When we break down barriers for one person, it opens doors for others too!
Angela Stathopoulos – Chemist Warehouse Group Manager, Education and Pharmacy, CW Head Office, VIC
What crucial message would you like to convey to team members, irrespective of gender, regarding their career journeys?
Approach your journey with confidence, respect and honesty as these attributes are key to building trust and lasting relationships. Know your value and adapt your communication style to be effective in different situations. Know when to stop talking and start listening. Stay open to new opportunities and challenges as often the best career moves come from unexpected places. Celebrate your achievements, big or small, and support others in theirs. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to tell your story. Your journey, experiences, and lessons learned can inspire and empower those around you.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Accelerate Action’ what does that mean to you?
To me, ‘Accelerate Action’ means taking meaningful steps toward gender equity, not just acknowledging the need for change but actively driving it. It’s about empowering everyone to challenge biases, advocate for fair opportunities, and create workplaces where diverse skills and attributes are valued. It also means giving women the confidence and support to step forward, whether that’s pursuing leadership roles, seeking career growth, or negotiating fair pay. Progress won’t happen by waiting. We all have a role to play in developing an inclusive environment where women are empowered to lead, succeed, and be heard.
Sophie Ghanem – Area Manager, Chemist Warehouse, NSW
How do you perceive the significance of International Women’s Day in promoting empowerment for everyone?
International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of how much we still need to achieve in the fight for gender equality, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and honour the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of women worldwide. Beyond celebrating women, it serves as a call to action for everyone regardless of gender to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.
What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
I’ve seen a lot of positive change, especially in how much more openly we talk about gender equality now. Women are taking on leadership roles and being recognised for their hard work, and there’s more focus on creating fair opportunities for everyone. While there’s still progress to be made, it’s encouraging to see that the conversations are happening, and things are slowly shifting for the better. It feels like we’re building a future where everyone has a fair shot, no matter their gender.
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