Women are vital to any industry, especially the world of advertising and media. And, B&T doesn’t think it’s fair that some of these women fail to be recognised for their incredible work and efforts, simply because of their gender.

So, to celebrate the launch of our annual Women in Media Awards presented by Bauer Media, we’ve asked a few industry power women to talk to us about why the Women in Media Awards are important, their best piece of advice, the most influential women in their lives and more.

Entries for B&T‘s Women in Media Awards are now open. Enter here. You can also buy tickets here, or read more here.

Pssssst – B&T is taking steps in addressing gender disparity in the workplace with our upcoming event Changing The Ratio. Buy your tickets here to be part of the movement.

Now, let’s hear from Nova Entertainment group sales capability manager, Tamie Williams.

B&T‘s Women in Media awards are vital. Not only do the awards acknowledge success in media, they recognise many other qualities: ability, struggle, effort and, above all, excellence. Winning a media award like B&T‘s WIM award can go a long way in solidifying your reputation as a trustworthy person or brand that delivers.

Awards such as WIM also help highlight some of the biggest impediments to equality in the workforce. Personally, I believe women are holding more high-profile positions within the industry – and are increasingly seen in leadership roles, but there’s still a long way to go because of unconscious bias. Whereas a man might be praised as a passionate leader, maverick or visionary, a woman behaving the exact same way is likely to be criticised as “too strong”, “catty” or “awkward to work with.”

I believe to combat workforce inequality, we need more champions of change equality. For me, Jacinda Ardern is one of the greatest catalysts for change and champions of equality. She is not only setting an example for young women that they too can expect to have choice but also for young men, as her partner is the full-time carer of their baby, she is sending a powerful message that they too can exercise that choice.

Quick-fire questions

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

Talk to your kids, explain the issues and the struggle.

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

Appoint a Minister for Gender Equality

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Never compromise your integrity.