Throughout this week, The Central App is celebrating International Women’s Day by featuring one amazing woman from our community each day, highlighting their unique journeys and contributions.

Stacey Haig believes that backing yourself and putting your hand up, even when you're not sure where it will lead, is how progress really happens.

Her journey started twenty years ago as a volunteer. From the very beginning, she was fortunate to join a team that was inclusive and supportive, and it's that foundation of belief and backing from others that she credits for everything that followed.

What that experience taught her is that the right environment can change the entire trajectory of a person's life. When the people around you believe in you, it gives you the courage to keep saying yes, even when the destination isn't clear yet.

This year's International Women's Day theme is Give to Gain, the idea that sharing knowledge and influence accelerates progress. Stacey's piece of insider wisdom is simple: don't be afraid to give something a go. You never know where it will take you, or what you might find out about yourself along the way.

That philosophy has served her well. When she stepped into her current role as Volunteer Support Officer for Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) in Central Otago, she had to stop and pinch herself. The girl who started as a volunteer all those years ago had no idea it would lead to something like this, and that's exactly the point.

Looking toward a more equitable future, Stacey finds it hard to pick just one pillar. For her, it comes back to access. Everyone, regardless of their background, should have the same access to opportunities across the board. But access alone isn't enough. You have to back yourself, put yourself out there, and stand up for what you believe in. Without that willingness to step forward, the status quo continues, and new ideas and opportunities never get the chance to take root.