Introduction: This International Women’s Day, Aer Rianta International (ARI) and The Moodie Davitt Report are proud to celebrate the achievements of women in travel retail and beyond. In line with this year’s theme Accelerate Action, we recognise the importance of moving beyond conversation to tangible change.
To mark the occasion, we spoke with five inspiring women leaders from across ARI’s global network. Each brings their own perspective on leadership, resilience and the role organisations must play in fostering inclusive workplaces.
Through these interviews, we highlight their stories, successes and visions for a future where opportunities are not defined by gender, but by talent, ambition and a shared commitment to progress.
As International Women’s Day 2025 embraces the theme Accelerate Action, ARI Caribbean General Manager Kari Scantlebury reflects on the need for decisive leadership in advancing gender equality.
She says: “The theme is a call to action, highlighting the need for even greater efforts in this area and the importance each of us plays in advancing gender equality in our society. Actively identifying and removing those barriers that are hindrances to progress are critical in creating a more equitable community.”
With a wealth of experience in leadership, Scantlebury has championed inclusive workplace practices, particularly in addressing the specific challenges women face in balancing career and family life.
“As mothers, women are sometimes faced with the challenge of juggling work and family commitments,” she says. “At ARI, our flexible work culture allows every team member to effectively manage their personal responsibilities without negatively impacting their career.”
Commenting on the transformative actions that she can implement to further advance gender equality in the workplace, Scantlebury says: “I would provide greater opportunities for the professional development of women through mentorship, quality training and health and wellness workshops.”
Mentorship in particular has played a crucial role in Scantlebury’s own leadership journey at ARI. She explains: “Establishing connections with more experienced, knowledgeable individuals at ARI has been a key component of my personal and professional growth and I believe this further empowers us as women to develop, confidently knowing we have this type of support.”
To ensure that diversity extends beyond hiring policies Scantlebury believes it must be embedded within an organisation’s culture to drive long-term success. “With diverse hiring practices at the core, creating a culture that supports collaboration through social interaction, open communication and recognition can successfully drive innovation and profitability within organisations.
“By allowing individuals with varying perspectives to work together, creative solutions can be formulated to address challenges.”
As the conversation around gender equality continues to evolve, Scantlebury’s insights serve as a reminder that real progress requires action. By fostering mentorship, implementing inclusive policies and embracing diverse perspectives, businesses can accelerate meaningful change. ✈
