IWD 2024 Margaret Sheppard

Margaret Sheppard | Co-Founder of Peter Sheppard Footwear

1. Which exceptional women have profoundly impacted your life and why?

Growing up, I had the privilege of having a wonderful mother who profoundly impacted my life. She was a hardworking woman who dedicated her time to her family and job. As a young girl, my mother worked on the Myer shoe floor, and my father would always credit her for contributing to the family income, saying that without her, they would never have been able to buy their home.

At that time, I never realised how vital the feminist movement was, as in my home, all roles were balanced between my two main role models. My mother would prepare the meals, and my father would do the washing up. My mother would bring the washing in from the clothesline while my father would fold them. It was all I knew, but looking back, I see how revolutionary it was to have such a balanced and equal partnership in our home.

My mother showed me how to be a strong and capable woman while maintaining my softness and femininity. She taught me that women can do anything they set their minds to, and that strength comes in many forms. She was always there for me when I needed her, and her unwavering support and guidance gave me a solid foundation to build my life upon.

I will forever be grateful for my mother's impact on my life and the lessons she taught me; she was a true inspiration.

2. What is the most significant barrier to female empowerment?

The fight for gender equality is still a work in progress, and several obstacles impede women's progress. The most significant impediment is the outdated mindset of both genders. For far too long, we have been conditioned to believe that there are gender-specific roles that we must adhere to, which has resulted in gender inequality across various aspects of life.

Despite the hurdles, witnessing the positive shifts in our society is heartening. The journey towards gender equality may be slower than we'd prefer, but the transformation is undeniable. Over the years, I've seen this change unfold, and it fills me with hope to see my granddaughters embarking on professional careers, a concept that was a rarity in my youth. Women are dismantling barriers and debunking stereotypes, marking a significant step towards achieving gender equality.