Women To Watch : Network 10’s Sarah Thornton

At B&T, We are staunch believers that every woman and her achievements should be celebrated, every day and always.

However, unfortunately, the achievements of women often go unnoticed. That’s why we launched our annual B&T Women in Media Awards – to recognise the amazing accomplishments of women across the marketing, communications and advertising industry.

In honour of our WIM Awards, we’re chatting to industry powerhouses; women we should all be keeping an eye on — women to watch.

Today, we are hearing from Network 10 head of popular factual, Sarah Thornton.

Sarah Thornton

The B&T Women in Media Awards as I often felt that when I looked upwards I saw a lot of men. I hope that shining a light on female achievement will help women who are currently looking upwards see something of themselves reflected back.

I am very fortunate to have had strong and accepting women throughout my life from teachers to my grandmother to colleagues and friends. One of the things they all have in common is they are women who love and support other women. Becoming a mother to a little girl has made me realise how crucial strong female bonds are and I want that for her. One person I am incredibly thankful for is my best friend. We first met making Queer Eye for the Straight Guy almost two decades ago and more recently made Pineapple Dance Studios together. We have seen each other at our best and worst and although we now live on opposite sides of the earth, no one knows me like she does.

I think equality needs to be challenged on all spectrums. I recently heard an alarming piece on ABC radio about stay at home dads. The presenters and callers claiming it’s “wrong” and “unnatural” – it’s the closest I’ve ever come to calling into a radio show and really drove home for me how far we still have to come. I’d have to say the biggest impediment to equality is the deep-rooted gender stereotypes about the role of both men and women … And golf!

The most unexpected champion of change for equality in my life is my boyfriend – who I never thought would consider being a stay at home dad. He has made massive sacrifices for our family. Without him, I’d fail on a daily basis.

Quickfire Questions

What’s a little something everyone can do today that could potentially make a massive change in the struggle for equality?

Speak out. When we feel patronised – for any reason but particularly on the basis of gender. I don’t always call it. I always regret that I didn’t.

If you were PM, what law would you change/introduce right now to improve equality?

End hate speech. Hate speech oppresses minorities and makes people afraid of being visible. Also, we really need to improve parental leave and make it easier to have a family and a career for both men and women.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

I look better without a fringe.

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B&T women in media awards network 10