Breaking Biases in Recruitment: Lessons from Our International Women's Day Webinar

International Women's Day isn’t just about celebration -it’s about real change. At APSCo, we believe that conversations need to translate into action, which is why our IWD 2025 webinar, ‘International Women's Day: Strategies to Overcome Workplace Biases and Stereotypes', tackled one of the biggest challenges in recruitment: unconscious bias in hiring and workplace culture.

We were privileged to hear from Kathryn Woof (33 Talent), Monty Sujanani (Robert Walters Singapore), and Farida Charania (Career Zoom), who shared candid insights, real-life experiences, and practical solutions to drive inclusion in recruitment.

Unconscious bias isn’t always obvious - but it’s always there

Bias isn’t about bad intentions. It is about ingrained assumptions that influence decisions, without us realising. Monty Sujanani shared a personal moment of realisation:

"I once dismissed a CV simply because the candidate had worked at the same company as a past underperformer. I wasn’t even aware I was doing it, but that’s exactly how unconscious bias works."

These small, unchecked decisions add up, shaping careers and workplace cultures in ways we don’t always see.

Inclusive hiring needs more than good intentions - it needs structure

While most companies want to hire fairly, without structured processes, bias creeps in. Farida Charania highlighted a stark reality:

"Identical CVs with male and female names still receive different responses from recruiters. Structured processes - blind CV screening, competency-based interviews—help reduce this."

Having a clear framework ensures that hiring decisions are based on skills and potential rather than assumptions or familiarity.

Leadership isn’t just about hiring -it’s about building inclusive cultures

Fair hiring is just the start. True inclusivity means ensuring everyone has the same opportunities to succeed. As Farida pointed out:

"Leaders must model inclusivity. It’s not just about hiring a diverse team - it’s about creating a space where every voice is valued."

From mentorship programmes to bias awareness training, leadership teams must drive these efforts consistently—not just once a year.

Change starts with individuals

HR teams, hiring managers, recruiters - we all have a role in challenging bias and advocating for diverse talent. Monty summed it up perfectly:

"Unconscious bias training isn’t a one-time event. We need to continuously challenge ourselves and create environments where diverse talent can thrive."

Even small changes- re-evaluating hiring criteria, questioning assumptions, ensuring fair promotions can make a lasting impact.

These insights are just the start. If you missed the webinar, APSCo members can watch the full recording here.

Interested in attending our next insightful webinar? Book your spot at one of our upcoming events here.

Interested in becoming an APSCo Southeast Asia member? Click here or email asia@apsco.org to get in touch.