International Women’s Day 2025:
This year’s theme for the International Women’s Day-For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment-is not just a statement. It sends a powerful message about right to education, and women shouldn’t face any bias at the workplace. It also underlines the need to increase confidence and empower women with resources and knowledge.
In this view, we asked women across FCM markets including Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and India about their perspective on gender equality, how FCM fosters an environment of empowerment, and significance of women supporting each other. Let’s dive in!
Vicki Parris, Deputy General Manager, FCM Travel Japan
For Vicki, the support she received while moving from Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) to FCM helped her in dealing with tough times.
In my first year of moving to FCM from the Flight Centre Brand I was diagnosed with Cancer. I was lucky in that it was operable but I needed a month of intensive treatment. It was important to me that I could continue my work as a focus point over that time and manage things in my own way. My MD fully supported my process, and it was the quiet but absolutely solid support I had from my women colleagues that helped me through. The small gifts or singular flowers on my desk when it was a tough day with no questions asked, tasks taken over, and ice cream deliveries to my home. Support comes in different ways and I am lucky to have always worked with women in FCM that show up in all the ways that count.
Naomi Dias, Leader-Sales, FCM Travel India
Naomi’s growth story at FCM has been a remarkable one. She joined the company as a business development manager and through the year, with her hard work and grit, has a seat at the table. When asked about a notable moment of professional triumph, she said:
The announcement of my promotion was met with overwhelming positivity and support, as I received over 100 calls and messages from both men and women. They shared how inspired they felt for two main reasons: First, it demonstrated the potential for internal growth, signifying that such opportunities are attainable for anyone within the organisation. Second, it highlighted the achievement of a woman in the commercial field in India, serving as an empowering example.
Nancy Yang, Managing Director, Taiwan
Nancy’s journey into the travel industry began with her extended family who were conducting inbound tours. When she joined the business, her vision was to expand and develop the outbound business. When asked what about her journey and thoughts on gender equality, Nancy said:
To me, true gender equity means everyone can achieve the same goals regardless of their gender. Both women and men should be empowered to make decisions at any level, and have access to resources that are not weighted in any gender’s favour. FCM creates a working environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and included. FCM empowers employees through diverse training systems and ensures a diverse/inclusive workplace, giving all employees equal opportunities to cultivate new skills. The management team works closely with employees to assist them in acquiring new skills and industry-related knowledge.
Tanya Pirapokin, Managing Director, Thailand
Tanya’s journey in the travel industry started as a third-generation professional, who took over family business and enhance it to suit the ever-evolving environment. For Tanya, gender equality is about rights and respect.
True gender equality means that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities, rights, and respect. It also involves creating an environment where employees from diverse backgrounds and educational levels can learn, grow, and thrive.FCM creates an empowering workplace by actively involving employees in training programmes and keeping them informed with regular updates. Leaders work closely with staff to promote continuous learning and monitor their progress.