In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re sharing Laura's story at Lidl & Kaufland Asia

From the start of my career I have been surrounded by strong and supportive women. Especially so as the percentage of females in the textile industry is exceptionally high.

As a result, celebrating Women's Day seems somewhat odd to me as I cherish every interaction with women every day - not on a specific day. The women surrounding me at work and in my private life support me but above all inspire me in numerous ways and l am grateful for every one of them.

During my childhood the circumstances for a successful working career did not seem to be ideal. Coming from a traditional Southern Italian family many girls did not have a role model representing their potential paths of women pursuing a professional career. My parents both emigrated to Germany and worked in shifts for my sister and me to have all the possibilities we could have wished for. Luckily they motivated us to invest in education, so that we could one day choose our future careers without restrictions. My parents showed me that men and women can equally contribute to raising children and paying the bills.

I believe education and representation is key for uplifting women. Educate girls and show them that they can be whatever they want to be - an astronaut, stay-at-home-mum, doctor or archeologist. Educate boys to be feminists and supporters of their future co-workers, managers, daughters and partners. So, I guess celebrating Women's Day is still necessary to represent and shine a light on women.

I am glad to have an employer like Lidl & Kaufland Asia Pte. Limited as our flexible working policy allows me to juggle family and work. I'm equally lucky to have a fully committed husband to help raise my daughter to become a good human who hopefully feels represented, celebrated and equal in every aspect every day.