Inspire Inclusivity on International Women’s Day | Erina Fair

Shopping with intention at Erina Fair isn’t just about updating your autumn wardrobe or finding the perfect shade of foundation – it’s about supporting the brands and businesses working towards a better, more inclusive world. 

When it comes to shopping mindfully, every purchase you make is a small but mighty act of support for women’s inclusion at home, at work and within our community. 

From sustainable initiatives to charitable partnerships and beyond, many of our retailers are doing good things at a grassroots and global level. Here are just some of the brands working to inspire inclusivity this International Women’s Day: 

Cotton On Group: empowering through education

Cotton On might be our go-to for snagging that perfect party dress or pair of summer slides, but it’s also a powerhouse of positive change that’s advocated for equality from day one. The brand partners with charities and communities across the globe to “tackle some of the biggest challenges facing young people today.” And they’ve got the runs on the board to prove it. So far, Cotton On Group has:

• Launched the Cotton On Foundation, focused on developing and supporting projects that empower women and girls globally, especially in education. 
• Implemented a women’s empowerment program across Bangladesh Suppliers through CARE Australia. This program improves the lives of female garment workers through education and skills development, promoting economic independence. 
• Launched their CURVE range in more locations to cater to a broader range of body types and customers. 

MECCA: championing beauty and inclusion

Your go-to destination for the latest beauty trends and skincare essentials, MECCA is a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity in the beauty industry. With a steadfast commitment to supporting women and championing diversity, MECCA has set a new standard for being a beauty retailer with a purpose. Through its efforts, MECCA has:

• Launched the M-Power initiative, which invests in education and leadership opportunities to break down barriers and nurture the next generation of female leaders.
• Expanded its beauty range to promote inclusivity by offering an extensive range of products to cater to diverse skin types, ensuring every customer feels represented.
• Committed to inclusive marketing that features models of different ethnicities, sizes and ages to reflect the diversity of its customer base.
• Supported menstrual health initiatives that supply menstrual care products to those in need. 
• Promoted inclusivity and self-love through events, workshops and social media. 
• Made strides in gender pay equity through initiatives demonstrating its commitment to fairness and equality in the workplace.

• Undertaken a gender pay equity review to review and adjust their remuneration practices and policies. 
• Partnered with the AFL Women’s league (AFLW). As the official apparel sponsor, the company supports female athletes, promotes gender equality and showcases women’s achievements in sports. 
• Distributed sanitary pad kits through the Cotton On Foundation, supporting people who menstruate to manage their menstrual health. 

Woolworths Group and Big W: striving for gender parity

With a steadfast commitment to creating a culture where all genders are valued equally, Woolworths Group is setting a new standard for corporate responsibility. Awarded the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s Employer of Choice for Gender Equality not once but twice, they’re not just talking the talk – they’re putting it into action. To date, the Group has:

• Made strides towards gender-balanced leadership teams with a goal of 40:40:20 by 2025, ensuring women have equitable access to leadership opportunities.
• Become signatories to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), guiding their efforts to promote gender equity and women’s empowerment across the workplace. 
• Supported growing families by offering 12 weeks of paid parental leave for primary carers and four weeks for secondary carers. 

Platypus Shoes: walking the talk of diversity

Platypus Shoes is inspiring inclusion with every stride. Through their innovative “Behind the Door” activation, the company turns their stores into vibrant art spaces that showcase emerging artists from diverse backgrounds. The inclusion of works by Ghostgum, a proud Wadawurrung woman, underscores the brand’s commitment to honouring Indigenous cultures and talent, carving out space for underrepresented voices within the retail space. 

In addition, Platypus Shoes has:

• Partnered with Headspace to run workshops focused on educating team members to embrace diversity and promote inclusion.
• Committed to improving the representation of women in leadership positions across the umbrella brand, Accent Group. 
• Collaborated with Headspace and Youthline to deliver mental health training for their leaders focusing on “supportive conversations.”