International Women's Day 2021: We choose to challenge

This year's theme for International Women's Day is choosing to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. In support of this, we are introducing the wonderful women of our team and have asked them to share their experiences on what they #ChoosetoChallenge. 

Aya Sakamoto

Aya is Product Manager and Principal Consultant at Rio. She is of Japanese heritage and was born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland until moving to the UK to complete her studies. Aya is focused on supporting Rio ESG’s client base, leading projects, and managing the development of the Rio platform.

''I choose to challenge internalised gender norms because I don’t want anyone to hold themselves back subconsciously due to what society has conditioned us to think we can or cannot do. 

I will do this by identifying and challenging my own subconscious biases and encouraging the women of my life leave behind any restrictions they still put on themselves.''

Nalise Hahn 

Nalise is Senior Sustainability Consultant and Knowledge Engineer on our team. She was born in South Africa and spent much of her time studying and living in Germany and the UK. Nalise is focused on supporting our client base through project management and delivery as well as supporting the development of our proprietary AI. 

''I choose to challenge gender based norms because society does not define who I am, my responsibilities or my opportunities. 

I will do this by highlighting inequalities within my personal and professional network, pursuing new challenges that redefine gender based expectations of society and encouraging women of all ages celebrate their gender in the workplace.''

Tiffany Kulasekare

Tiffany is Marketing Manager and Sustainability Consultant at Rio. She is of Sri Lankan heritage and was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada before moving to the UK to pursue her MSc. Tiffany is focused on increasing our brand awareness and digital presence in addition to supporting our client base through project delivery. 

''I choose to challenge society labelling women who are confident and assertive in the workplace as bossy or aggressive because women shouldn't have to downplay their voice to be heard and taken seriously. 

I will do this by encouraging other woman to speak up and voice their opinions and by advocating for my own goals and desires.''

We celebrate women not only today but everyday because diversity and gender equality is a key part of achieving sustainable development and we must all work together to break down barriers.