International Women’s Day 2025: Celebrating Strength, Progress, and Leadership at Melcorp Strata

Every year, International Women’s Day serves as both a celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for continued progress toward gender equality. This year, as we reflect on the meaning of this day, we acknowledge the challenges overcome, the progress made in the workplace, and the invaluable wisdom passed down from mentors and colleagues. Aligned with this year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment that champions equal opportunities and empowers every individual.

As General Manager Esin Ibrahim shares, “On this International Women’s Day, we come together to celebrate the remarkable women in our team, whose hard work, dedication, and contributions shape our success and progress. Working alongside you is an honour, and together, we will continue to advance equality and empowerment for all.”

A Day of Reflection and Recognition

For many of our team, International Women’s Day is deeply personal. It’s a day to honour the trailblazers who came before us, celebrate the resilience of women today, and commit to making the future even brighter.

Summer Liu, Finance Manager at Melcorp Strata, says that International Women’s Day is a time dedicated to pausing and reflecting on the power of sisterhood. “It’s a reminder that progress isn’t just about the milestones we achieve individually, but about how we lift each other up and create spaces where women can thrive together. It inspires me to embrace vulnerability and strength in equal measure, knowing that our collective voices have the power to create lasting change.”

For Anna Manarczyk, Senior Owners Corporation Manager, this day holds sentimental value. “I grew up in a culture where International Women’s Day has been celebrated on a big scale, so I am sentimental about it. I think it is an important moment to appreciate women and show support to each other.”

Moments of Empowerment and Impact

Across the strata industry, the Melcorp Strata team continues to make a difference—not only in their professional roles but also in the lives of the clients and communities they serve.

For Catherine Bayliss, Owners Corporation Manager, there have been many moments where she’s felt empowered by being a strong advocate for her clients—driven by a deep sense of empathy, justice, and the desire to do what’s right. “Some of the most impactful experiences include negotiating lower contract amounts to benefit owners, successfully pushing a builder to address long-standing defects after multiple managers had failed, and bringing clients together to align on decisions that truly mattered.”

Summer Liu remembers one moment that truly stood out to her: “I helped a committee navigate a complex financial challenge. There was a significant budget shortfall, and tensions were high among the owners. By carefully analysing the financials, presenting clear options, and facilitating open discussions, I was able to guide them toward a sustainable solution. Seeing the positive impact of my expertise—restoring financial stability and improving trust within the community—was incredibly empowering. It reinforced my passion for strata management and the importance of strong leadership in challenging situations.”

Owners Corporation Manager Kirrily Sandiford, believes that empowerment comes from consistently striving to do her best every day. “I always strive to do my very best daily with my clients and fellow colleagues, and if I’m doing that, I am succeeding.”

When asked what the best advice she has received from a female colleague or mentor, Kirrily highlights the ongoing support of her General Manager, Esin Ibrahim. “Our leader, an inspiring woman, frequently reminds us to ‘always stay classy and professional,’ a mantra that not only defines her leadership but also shapes our collective approach to work.”

The Changing Landscape for Women in the Workplace

The workplace has evolved significantly for women in recent years, with a growing focus on inclusivity, flexibility, and breaking down barriers.

Senior Accountant Joy Liu, notes that one of the biggest changes has been the emphasis on work-life balance. “More companies have adopted policies that allow women to manage both their careers and personal lives, especially with the rise of remote work and flexible hours. This has helped reduce some of the barriers women face, particularly those with family responsibilities.”

This shift is something Anna Manarczyk has experienced firsthand. As both a professional and a mother, she acknowledges the challenges of balancing career aspirations with family life. “Being pregnant, having a baby, taking time off for maternity leave—these have all had a huge impact on my career moves. I am grateful to my workplace for being on this journey with me and providing support for working mums.”

Looking Forward: A Commitment to Progress

At Melcorp Strata, we recognise that while there has been great progress, there is still more work to be done. We are committed to fostering an environment where women feel supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women of Melcorp Strata and all women across industries who continue to challenge the status quo, uplift one another, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Happy International Women’s Day 2025!