Category Archives: International Women’s Day

International Women's Day, News

Trailblazing Women Share Their Journeys at Parliament for International Women’s Day

Some of Britain’s most inspiring women took centre stage at the House of Commons for a night of powerful speeches, career reinvention stories, and a celebration of women breaking barriers in business and society.

The event, Inspirational Journeys of Women Shaping Careers, Businesses, and Society, brought together leading professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates to mark International Women’s Day. Hosted by MP Bob Blackman CBE, the evening was a platform for women who have reshaped industries, overcome challenges, and championed diversity and inclusion.

Stories of Reinvention and Resilience

The panel featured four extraordinary women who have carved out successful careers while driving change in their respective fields:

  • Leena Savjani, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell, has spent her career fighting for patients’ rights, ensuring justice for those impacted by medical negligence.
  • Dr. Tamra Nathan, a medical doctor and author, has dedicated her life to making medical knowledge more accessible, with her acclaimed book on anatomy.
  • Monica Juneja, a former Managing Director at Accenture, shared her remarkable journey of leaving a 20-year corporate career to retrain as a psychotherapist.
  • Heeral Shah, a senior banking executive, reflected on her 25-year career in finance and her role as a champion for Diversity & Inclusion, paving the way for future female leaders in a male-dominated sector.

Their candid insights struck a chord with the audience, highlighting the importance of reinvention, perseverance, and lifting others up along the way.

Why Representation Matters

One of the event’s organisers, Param Singh MBE, said:

“This event is about celebrating the incredible women who are breaking barriers, leading industries, and shaping a more inclusive future. Their stories prove that resilience and reinvention are key to success.”

Diversity in leadership was a recurring theme throughout the evening. Speakers stressed that mentorship, equal opportunities, and challenging outdated workplace norms are essential to creating a fairer society.

International Recognition and Lasting Impact

The initiative has already received international acclaim, having been featured at the Faith and Belief Community Awards and the World Economic Forum’s Faith in Action report at Davos.

Attendees left feeling inspired and energised, with the evening concluding in a lively networking session, where guests discussed ideas, potential collaborations, and ways to drive meaningful change in their fields.

With gender equality still a work in progress, events like this serve as a powerful reminder that celebrating success stories and supporting one another is key to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.

About the Organisers:

  • City Hindus: A not-for-profit organisation promoting networking and charity among Hindu professionals.
  • City Sikhs: A progressive UK-based charity fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity.
  • The Association of Asian Women Lawyers (AAWL): A network supporting legal professionals from diverse backgrounds.
  • The India League: Promotes UK-India ties and addresses diaspora issues.
  • The Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP): Supports UK-based entrepreneurs scaling businesses globally.
International Women's Day, News

Inspirational Journeys of Women Shaping Careers, Businesses, and Society – A Resounding Success at Parliament

The prestigious event ‘Inspirational Journeys of Women Shaping Careers, Businesses, and Society’ was successfully hosted at the House of Commons in celebration of International Women’s Day. Organised by City Hindus, City Sikhs, The Association of Asian Women Lawyers (AAWL), The India League, and the Department for Business and Trade’s Global Entrepreneur Programme, the event brought together a diverse group of professionals, advocates, and leaders from various industries.

The evening featured inspiring speeches, thought-provoking panel discussions, and enriching conversations that resonated deeply with attendees. Hosted by Bob Blackman CBE, the event welcomed an audience of influential professionals and thought leaders, who shared in celebrating the outstanding achievements of women shaping the future across multiple sectors.

The event was honoured with the presence of exceptional guest speakers, including:

  • Leena Savjani, Partner at Irwin Mitchell, advocating for patients’ rights and making a significant impact in healthcare law and practice.
  • Dr. Tamra Nathan, a medical doctor and author, sharing her expertise through her published work on anatomy and her contributions to medical education.
  • Monica Juneja, a former managing director at Accenture, who pivoted her career and became a psychotherapist after 20 years in the corporate world.
  • Heeral Shah, Senior Banking Executive and ESG & Diversity Champion, reflecting on 25 years in banking, advancing through leadership positions, and her commitment to Diversity & Inclusion.

The evening was a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and advocacy in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future. The panellists’ stories underscored the importance of overcoming challenges, embracing change, and the powerful impact of advocating for others in both business and society.

“We are incredibly proud to have hosted this event, celebrating the incredible women who are transforming industries and communities through their passion, perseverance, and advocacy,” said Param Singh MBE, one of the event organisers. “This evening has reminded us that, by championing diversity and inclusion, we can create lasting change and build a more equitable future for all.”

The event was also recognised for its international acclaim, with the event series previously featured at the Faith and Belief Community Awards and in the World Economic Forum’s Faith in Action report at Davos in 2024. The evening concluded with a lively networking session, allowing guests to connect, collaborate, and reflect on the inspiring talks.

About the organisers:

  • City Hindus: A not-for-profit organisation promoting networking and charity among Hindu professionals.
  • City Sikhs: A progressive UK-based charity fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity.
  • The Association of Asian Women Lawyers (AAWL): A network supporting legal professionals from diverse backgrounds.
  • The India League: Promotes UK-India ties and addresses diaspora issues.
  • The Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP): Supports UK-based entrepreneurs scaling businesses globally.

Photography by Tajpal Dhamu

Business, Business & Property News, International Women's Day, News

Overcoming Adversity: How One Irish Businesswoman Defied the Odds After Being Crushed in a Near Fatal Horse-Riding Accident

When Finance Firm Director and International showjumper, Aisling Byrne, went to Portugal in 2018 to compete in a competition, it was supposed to be an experience filled with laughter, friends and fun.

Instead, Aisling returned to Ireland with extensive injuries and the prognosis that she would never walk again, after the horse she was riding reared up and fell backwards on top of her, after being spooked by a passing tractor.

Reflecting on that fateful day in February, Aisling details the events leading up to the accident. While the horse wasn’t her own, she had been looking after it for months and knew it well.

She continued: “It was just one of those freak accidents where it had a phobia of tractors, and a tractor from the show drove past very fast and spooked it. The horse got upset, reared up and lost its balance, falling back on me.

“The horse landed square on top of me and crushed a lot of my mid-section, I had broken hips, a shattered pelvis, extensive spinal injuries and internal injuries.

“When I got to hospital, the diagnosis was not good, I was bleeding internally and had to be revived several times during surgery because I had stopped breathing.

“I struggled to come around after the coma, and when I did, I had so much damage to my hips and spine, they told me that I would be wheelchair bound for life.

“In the blink of an eye everything changed. It was the most profound life lesson that nothing is guaranteed to stay the same.”

Despite describing a series of events that would leave most people traumatised, Aisling exudes positivity. Her determination and optimism are impossible to miss.

With a smile still painted on her face, she continued: “It was one of the tougher days but even in hospital, with everything that happened, I was determined to keep positive and smiling.

“I think your inner strength comes forward in one of those situations. You can only control what you can control, and all I could control during that time was staying positive.

“It taught me how much your outlook and positive attitude can actually physically help your recovery. I think this attitude helped speed up my recovery.”

After multiple surgeries and three months of being completely bedbound, Aisling was able to start physiotherapy and begin the long process of learning to walk again.

She spent about two and half years on crutches, and despite being warned that she would never sit on a horse again, it was always her goal.

With some creative planning and the support of her family, Aisling was able to sit on her very first horse and walk around her house twice. Fast forward to 2025, seven years after the accident, she is back showjumping and competing on the international stage across Europe and the USA.

Speaking to her mindset shift, Aisling said this experience taught her to live life to the fullest and to not sweat the small stuff.

You only have yourself to rely on and your mindset; everything else can change or be taken away at a moment’s notice and without any warning, so it’s important to be self-reliant. It’s this mindset, born out of her darkest days, that she takes with her when working at Nera Capital.

Founded in 2011, Nera Capital provides law firms around the world with funding across diverse claim portfolios in the consumer and commercial sectors.

Today, after 14 years in operation, Nera Capital has over £500 million of assets under management and growing, steadfastly providing essential financial solutions within the litigation funding sector.

Despite the challenges of the last years, Aisling was able to continue working at Nera Capital and her luxury travel business, Journey Through Ireland.

Her tough experience fuelled an even greater passion and drive, leading to exponential growth in her ventures. This journey of resilience and determination stands as her proudest achievement, as it would have been all too easy and tempting to give up.

Aisling explained: “Even in my darkest days, lying in that hospital bed in Portugal, I would just think to myself- I’m so lucky to still be here.

“My message to anyone facing hard times is don’t give up. Even when the odds feel stacked against you, keep moving forward.

“I know how hard it can be – those moments when everything feels impossible, when the weight of it all makes you want to stop. But it’s in those moments that you find out what you are truly made of and what sort of person you really are – a single thread of hope can make all the difference. Hold on to it, keep taking one step at a time and most importantly, enjoy life – time is precious.”

Careers, International Women's Day, News, STEM

“Life-Limiting” Maths Gap: OR Society Champions Women Leading the Charge in Data-Driven Careers on International Women’s Day

The UK faces a critical issue—more than half (54%) of its working-age population struggles with low numeracy[i]. This is estimated to cost the economy £25 billion annually[ii].
Research reveals women are twice as anxious about using maths compared to men. Almost one-fifth (18%) of the nation experiences maths-related anxiety. 24% of women feel nervous, compared to just 12% of men.
To mark International Women’s Day, the Operational Research (OR) Society is spotlighting female trailblazers in maths careers. This initiative aligns with The Richmond Project, launched by Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty, which aims to tackle this national numeracy challenge. The project highlights the severity and impact of the issue, signalling a push to improve mathematical literacy.
Akshata Murty warns that “fear of maths is life-limiting.” Individuals with poor numeracy are twice as likely to be unemployed and earn £1,600 less per year than those with basic mathematical skills. This results in limited opportunities, restricted social mobility, and a diminished quality of life.
The Solution: Data-Driven Careers and Female Leadership
The OR Society, which promotes the practical application of maths in industry, believes the solution lies in creating a culture of data literacy. Empowering individuals with mathematical skills is crucial and is spotlighting women who are leading the charge.
Hannah Davies, Head of Data Strategy at Admiral: A Case Study in Impactful Mathematical Leadership and Passion
Hannah Davies, Head of Data Strategy at Admiral, exemplifies impactful mathematical leadership. From an early age, Davies loved mathematics, inspired by exceptional teachers. Initially, she wanted to teach to ignite the same passion in others.
However, she soon discovered exciting careers where her skills could be applied in ways to solve real-world problems.
Davies says, “As a girl growing up who excelled at maths, I thought teaching was my only option. This could not be further from the truth. Many of my roles did not exist before I did them, showing how quickly things evolve and how exciting data careers can be. I believe people with good data and analytical skills will have a wealth of career opportunities in the future.”
Hannah built Admiral’s Data Academy, and today she leads a team that trains over 850 professionals to enhance their data fluency. Her work shows the power of applied mathematics in driving organisational success. Recognised as a 2025 Top 50 DataIQ Future Leader and a winner of Twenty in Data and Tech 2024, Davies has transformed data literacy at Admiral and championed gender parity in STEM.
OR Society’s Role in Bridging the Gap
The OR Society connects individuals with careers that leverage their mathematical abilities. Operational Research uses mathematical modelling, simulation, statistical analysis, and optimisation to solve complex problems across industries.
“The UK’s numeracy gap is not just an economic issue; it’s a social issue,” states Bob Scott, Board member at the OR Society.
“By showcasing impactful careers that apply mathematics, especially those led by talented women like Hannah Davies, we aim to inspire the next generation to embrace mathematical skills and help close this gap.”
The OR Society also calls for increased support and recognition of women in maths-driven careers. These careers offer rewarding opportunities to solve complex problems, drive innovation, and contribute to the UK’s economic growth.
—
Data, International Women's Day

Infinidat’s Female Employees Commemorate International Women’s Day 2025 with Insights and Advice for the Next Generation

Written By: Sapna Capoor, Director of Global Communications at Infinidat

 

“Be brave – your opinion, your answers, your perspective matters,” wrote a female employee in Human Resources at Infinidat in response to an internal online survey we conducted recently of women within our company in honour of International Women’s Day 2025.

 

In the same survey, a female employee on Infinidat’s Software Development QA team shared her conviction: “More and more women are stepping into the tech field every day. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance; your curiosity and determination are powerful assets. Never let self-doubt hold you back because, if you want it, you are absolutely capable of achieving it.” She went on to add, “Women have the talent, strength and vision to succeed in tech – just as much as anyone else.”

 

These positive declarations by successful women who work at Infinidat were answers to the first of two questions we asked all female Infinidat employees: “What advice or insight would you give to young girls who are thinking about a future career in tech?”

 

This blog shares a sampling of advice and insights across various departments and teams within Infinidat, a global leader in enterprise storage. We, as females, learn from each other’s experiences as well as from our male colleagues, challenging one another to rise higher, and inspire one another to greatness. All Infinidat’s employees have been supportive of the diversity of our company’s workforce, reflecting Infinidat’s values and internal culture.

 

Now, as women in tech, we want to share our collective thinking with the next generation.

 

A woman who works in Infinidat’s Channel and Business Development department eloquently voiced her viewpoint: “Tech can seem intimidating, but no one knows everything at the start. The most important thing is to stay curious and keep learning. Ask questions, experiment, and don’t be afraid to fail – it’s part of the process. Also, find people who support and challenge you, whether it’s mentors, friends, or a community. There’s room for you as a woman in this field, and your unique perspective is needed.”

 

The optimism of my female colleagues at Infinidat is infectious. One of my colleagues in Marketing wrote a powerful piece of advice for women that applies to every generation, “You are every bit as capable and deserving of having a seat at the table (or an invite to the Zoom call). Stay true to yourself and keep your eyes forward – amazing opportunities are ahead for you in tech!”

 

Although women have come a long way in the corporate world, we still need to mentor and be trailblazers for the next generation of women, so there can be the opportunity for more women to have a ‘seat at the table’ at board and executive levels. Communicating strategically is paramount − it’s not only what you believe in, but it’s also about being mindful of how you express it and how it’s received. It’s like an art within a science.

 

Another woman in Marketing at Infinidat shared this practical advice for women who are considering a career in tech: “Do not be afraid to stand out and stand up. Tech is primarily male-dominated industry, but your ideas and contributions matter. You are an asset, never lose that. Always be resilient and continue learning. Sometimes, it’s not always about the smartest person in the room, but it’s about the person who is willing to roll up their sleeves, learn and adapt.”

 

You can be that person! That’s the message and the aspiration that we celebrate on this International Women’s Day on March 8th. Share this blog with the younger women in your life, especially students in high school and university.

 

The Value of a Diverse Workforce

 

It’s important for tech companies to hire people with different backgrounds and experience. What top tech companies have figured out is that this leads to the development of smarter technology for all. The tech companies that will define the future are committed to building a diverse workforce.

 

A woman in Infinidat’s award-winning marketing department, which is known for exceeding expectations for a small team, posted an encouraging response in our survey that I believe that every woman should remember, especially if you don’t see yourself as an engineer, a pre-sales technical person, a solutions architect, or a software developer.

 

“Tech is a dynamic, ever-evolving industry that constantly challenges me to learn and grow. My advice would be to stay open-minded. Don’t limit yourself. You don’t need to be a developer to succeed in the tech industry. There’s room for creativity, strategy and innovation. Embrace opportunities! Believe in the value you bring to the industry,” she wrote with such clarity, derived from years of experience.

 

If You Knew Then What You Know Now

 

The second question we asked Infinidat’s female population of employees was: “If you knew then as a teenager what you know now as a woman in tech, what would you have done differently as far as educational choices, internship choices, or career choices?”

 

One female colleague made an excellent point in her answer to this question, highlighting the fact that there are many paths to a fulfilling career in the tech field. She said, “I’d remind my younger self that no experience is ever wasted. Every role, no matter how unrelated, teaches valuable skills that shape your career. That said, I wish I’d explored tech earlier. I didn’t realise how many paths the tech industry offers.”

 

Being in the enterprise storage sector has given me the opportunity to strategically work with journalists and industry analysts facilitating communications about the most cutting-edge technologies that everyone is talking about, including AI, automation, cybersecurity, hybrid multi-cloud and cyber resilient storage.

 

Across Infinidat, my female colleagues were forthcoming in their sharing of thoughtful responses to this question. The following is a sprinkling of what these women in tech had to say:

 

“I would have intentionally sought out a major [in college] or classes that set me on a path to work in tech.”

“I would have taken the time to learn about the depth of career opportunities I could have (specifically in marketing), as there are so many functions that are needed to make a tech company operate.”

“I would have focused not just on technical skills but also on communication skills and leadership skills, which are crucial for success.”

“I’d be more intentional about finding a strong female mentor—someone who has successfully navigated the challenges of working in a male-dominated field. Having a mentor who understands the unique struggles women face in tech would have helped me develop confidence, set boundaries, and advocate for myself. If I had this kind of mentor earlier, I think I would have been more confident in taking risks and standing up for myself in certain situations.”

To paraphrase a female colleague, part of taking risks and standing up for oneself is negotiating outcomes for your career advancement. Each person has her own style of seeking out opportunities, increasing job satisfaction and gaining more flexibility. The important thing is to find what works for you.

 

Another common theme among my female colleagues was “You belong here.” Here are “takeaways” that you can use as conversation starters with other women.

 

“I would have told my younger self: ‘You belong here.’ Tech isn’t just for men, and the more women we bring into this field, the stronger and more innovative it becomes.”

“To young girls dreaming of a tech career – you belong here. Be bold, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of the people whom you meet along the way.”

In recognition of International Women’s Day 2025, I invite you to share your experiences, advice and insights with people you know. This blog is a starting point of sharing. Your voice counts − make everyone around you count and make you count! Be bold, stay bold, be yourself, and believe in yourself!

 

About Sapna Capoor

Sapna Capoor is the Director of Global Communications at Infinidat. Sapna has over 20 years of international experience in the technology industry as a B2B strategic communications expert.

Image Source: Unsplash

Gender Disparity, Gender Equality, International Women's Day, News, Thought Leadership

Why we can’t wait five generations for gender equality

Sarah Vaughan, Founder & Director, Angelica Solutions, shares a heartfelt and thought provoking piece on the importance of accelerating gender parity in the workplace

“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day – Accelerate Action states rather alarmingly that at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 which is roughly five generations from now to reach full gender parity. Therefore, it’s vital that as an industry we focus on accelerating our efforts to address systemic barriers and biases that women face. We must first identify what these barriers and biases are which are often deeply rooted in societal norms and structures that influence women’s participation and advancement in various fields.

“Understanding the root causes of the under-representation of women, particularly in certain industries and at senior levels, is crucial. For instance, in many STEM subjects, female participation starts to decline as soon as students have elective choices. We need to explore why this happens. Is it cultural, educational, or something else? Does this phenomenon occur globally, or can we draw insight from regions where female representation is more balanced?

“A key part of addressing these issues is listening to women from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Without their voices, we risk making assumptions about what needs to change and possibly losing years pursuing ineffective solutions.

“As a small business founder, I have sought out professionals who I trust will do the job well and part of my team includes two very strong female performers in their fields where they no longer fitted into the corporate structure because of the inflexibility of the roles offered. Diversity of career paths available to women today emphasises the importance of moving beyond traditional work arrangements. Offering flexible roles allows women to balance work and family responsibilities—a crucial factor in retaining and supporting women in the workplace.

“Additionally a simple yet significant step everyone can take is to be mindful of the language we use. Grayson Perry’s ‘The Descent of Man’ highlights how often ‘unisex’ or ‘gender-neutral’ options default to male-centric versions. I’ve consciously tried to use more inclusive language opting for terms like ‘tradesperson’ or ‘person-days’ instead of their gendered counterparts.

“We must also be aware of how our words and actions influence younger generations. Comments said in jest can over time condition children to perceive certain activities as gender specific. As an aunt to seven nieces and six nephews, I’ve noticed my own biases for instance, choosing high adrenaline activities for the boys and more creative pursuits for the girls. It’s important to challenge these ingrained stereotypes within ourselves.

“International Women’s Day acts as a prompt to be more thoughtful and proactive in the fight for gender equality, fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive”.

Diversity, International Women's Day, News

Norfolk housebuilder’s employee advocates diversity for International Women’s Day

A Commercial Manager working for Norfolk developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes Anglia has highlighted her experiences of diversity for International Women’s Day (8th March).

This year’s International Women’s Day campaign theme, #InspireInclusion, envisions a world where gender equality flourishes, free from bias, stereotypes, or discrimination. It’s a vision of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive society where differences are not only accepted, but celebrated.

Sian Tinkler (36), who joined the developer’s team as a Senior Surveyor in June 2022 and swiftly climbed to the role of Commercial Manager, reflects on her experience with diversity in the industry.

Based at the developer’s regional office in Norwich, Sian’s role as a Commercial Manager involves overseeing her team’s operations, collaborating with other departments to meet objectives, and proactively addressing challenges.

Drawn to the dynamic and rewarding nature of the housebuilding industry, Sian notes a positive shift in diversity during her tenure and acknowledges that progress continues to unfold.

She said: “While historically the construction industry has been perceived as male-dominated, I believe that there has been a positive shift over time.

“A greater effort is being made to encourage diversity and gender equality, although there is still progress to be made. It’s important for the industry to continue to promote inclusivity and break down gender stereotypes.”

Sian believes there are many ways for employers to create a diverse workspace and #InspireInclusion amongst employees.

She added: “The best ways for an employer to inspire inclusion are by fostering a culture of diversity, providing training on unconscious bias, promoting open communication, and actively encouraging diversity in leadership roles. Establishing mentorship programs and creating a supportive work environment are also effective measures.

“When it comes to Barratt and David Wilson Homes, our team is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. This includes initiatives such as diversity training, mentorship programs, and actively encouraging a culture of openness and respect.

“I believe this contributes to creating an environment where differences are valued and celebrated.”

Recognising the significance of encouraging more women to enter traditionally male-dominated sectors, Sian underscores the invaluable contributions that women bring to the construction industry.

She said: “It’s important to provide and promote opportunities for women, as women bring unique perspectives and skills that contribute to the industry’s success.

“I believe that Barratt and David Wilson Homes offers excellent support and opportunities for women in the construction industry. The team really values diversity and actively works towards creating an inclusive workplace.”

When asked for her advice to give to women who are considering a career within the construction industry, Sian said: “My advice is to embrace the challenges, be confident in your abilities, and seek out mentorship opportunities. Don’t be afraid to voice your ideas and contribute to the team. The construction industry is evolving, and your unique perspective is a valuable asset.”

For more information about the career opportunities available at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, visit the website at Barratt Careers.

For details about any developments in the county, visit the websites at Barratt Homes in Norfolk and David Wilson Homes in Norfolk.

International Women's Day, Marketing, PR and SEO, News

Who runs the world? GIRLS!

At Meet and Potato, we have several leading ladies working for the business so for this year’s IWD we asked them (and some of the men!) for their thoughts on IWD and what needs to be done to drive forward the theme of Inspiring Inclusion.

 

CEO, Jon Kelly is a huge supporter of the females in the business.

“What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than spotlighting the female talent within our agency? Women make up 62% of M&P and 2 of our 3 directors are women. I’m proud of our small team, we’re an interesting mix, diverse in age, sex, nationality, and background. We know our differences are our strengths, and we bring it all together to drive the business forward. It’s great to raise awareness of inequality and to inspire inclusion with IWD but for me, it’s not just for a day, it’s every day.”

 

Karen Clarkson, MD of Meet and Potato shares her thoughts. 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day means a day to take stock of how far we’ve come, but more importantly how far we’ve got to go. There are a lot of people making empty promises for lengthy LinkedIn statuses, but what we should be doing is using the day to pledge how we’re going to actively make a difference to the year ahead and holding our business community accountable for this throughout the year.

Why is it so important to Inspire Inclusion? 

It’s important to shine a light on inequality and biases of any sort, whether that be gender, race, sexuality, age or people with disabilities for example. Inclusion in the workplace is paramount to this and will inspire the next generation.

I urge businesses to take a look at their teams including leadership teams and ask if their businesses are representative. This is from all communities and diversities, but for the theme of IWD, do women in your business have a voice and are they in an environment where they feel they can use it? And if not, then why?

 

Jo Prosser, Creative Director at Meet and Potato, added: 

We need to create psychologically safe spaces where everyone feels comfortable and confident to speak up and speak out. Women in senior roles have an important responsibility to nurture younger generations rising through the ranks. We need to celebrate their talents and build their confidence by giving them opportunities to succeed. It’s important to foster diversity, including multi-generational teams, we have so much to learn from each other. Youth and wisdom together will conquer all.

 

Over to Sophie Greatbanks, Senior Event Producer.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

IWD for me is an opportunity to reflect and appreciate, not only the women who make strides and influence you in your day-to-day life but also an occasion to remember those women throughout history who have managed to create the opportunities now readily available to modern women. That’s not to say that there still aren’t areas for improvement or that we shouldn’t be appreciated every day, but it’s a moment in our busy lives to reflect. I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by strong women who have constantly pushed the realms of what I’ve deemed possible and achievable in both a personal and professional capacity. Helping to guide and teach rather than hinder with old school connotations of what should be “pink jobs”, the women I have surrounded myself with have helped shape, but also celebrated, my achievements. With women like that in your life, anything is possible!

 

Why is it so important to Inspire Inclusion? 

It’s important to inspire inclusion to those around you, but also to future generations to make sure women’s momentum in society doesn’t stagnate. Women have already broken the glass ceiling that tried to determine what their traditional roles and responsibilities were (and continue to do so). It’s important to make sure the future is surrounded by allies saying “why shouldn’t you?!” rather than trying to stifle what women bring to the table.

 

Now to Niki Toth, Content Coordinator:

 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To me, IWD is about celebrating women not only historically and globally, but also those women close to me. I am surrounded by a network of strong, empowering women within my family, among my friends, and in my workplace. I look to them for guidance when facing challenges. To me, these women are the embodiments of resilience, determination, and strength.

IWD also means we can put extra emphasis on raising awareness about gender-based issues, such as violence and (even verbal) harassment, discrimination, or unequal pay. It’s a day to shine a spotlight on the challenges that women face worldwide simply because of their gender.

 

Why is it so important to Inspire Inclusion?

Inspiring inclusion can lead to a more equal society, where there are no gender-related roles and discrepancies in pay, education or workplace. Where men are not considered the superior/stronger gender and where all women are acknowledged and valued based on their abilities.

Women are a force to be reckoned with, and when united, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Without recognising our complexity, mind-blowing ways of logical thinking and incredible strength, the world would not be the same, so inclusion is not only inspired, but indispensable.

Who runs the world? GIRLS!

 

Mark Jones, Production Coordinator, added:

“Representation is everything. People will never aspire to be what they do not see. IWD is about celebrating and recognising inspiring women.”

FInance, Finance and Banking, International Women's Day, News

What IWD Means to Young Female Leaders in a Male Dominated Industry

Today is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

Laura Evans-Fisk is Head of Digital & Engagement at leading foreign currency brand, eurochange. Here she shares her thoughts on what IWD 24 means to her as a younger leader in the male dominated world of finance. 

It will be 50 years next year since the very first official UN International Women’s Day was established in 1975. At 34 years-old, I wasn’t even born then but even five decades on, the importance of focusing on the rights, opportunities and the future ambitions of women, especially in the workplace, is as vital as ever.

The United Nations has designated this year’s theme as ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ and it is a topic that really resonates for me as a woman in business, working in the fast-moving area of digital and engagement.

Working in the very competitive and male dominated finance sector and in a leadership role, at a relatively young age, I have personally seen and experienced many positive developments when companies invest and nurture their female staff.

Not only does it accelerate individual progress, but the whole dynamic of the workplace and wider success of the business.

Companies with more women in leadership roles are more profitable. A Pepperdine University study showed that twenty-five Fortune 500 firms with the best record of promoting women into high positions were 18 to 69 percent more profitable than the median firms in their industries.

I am especially proud that as Head of Digital and Engagement, at leading foreign currency specialists, eurochange, I have been given the opportunity to flourish in my role and for my ideas to become a significant element of the wider business strategy.

Fortunately, the company culture at eurochange is very inclusive and all ideas and suggestions from staff at every level are welcomed and  embraced.

For me, stepping into a role on the Execo, is where I have personally been able to shine and accelerate my own progress; thanks to the insights gleaned in being part of a decision-making process and of course, being surrounded by a host of accomplished business minds.

So, this year’s IWD, is not just an opportunity for me to reflect on how I can grow professionally but also how I support the other women in the business and future ones by setting a precedent: that at any age, young or senior, anything is possible!

On a final note, championing more women in the workplace should not just be a numbers game but a positive process of celebrating and nurturing their skills and qualities. That way, in another 50 years, we will have an even bigger host of inspiring female leaders across even more industries making a difference.

International Women's Day, News

Women Leading the Charge: The B Corp Empowering Tomorrow’s Investors

In celebration of International Women’s Month and the theme #InspireInclusion for International Women’s Day, Paradigm Norton, a leading financial planning firm, is proud to highlight its commitment to empowering women in financial planning.

Farida Hassanali, Client Relationship Manager at Paradigm Norton, emphasises the transformative impact of encouraging women to embrace their role as investors. “With the right education resources, women can use that knowledge to be just as confident as men, and once encouraged, they are significantly more likely to invest. And they are likely to be successful,” states Hassanali. Research by Fidelity Investments shows that women consistently achieve better investment returns than men, by an average margin of 0.4% source.

Recognising the pivotal role women often play as the ‘CEO of the household,’ making daily financial decisions, Paradigm Norton understands the importance of building confidence in long-term wealth planning. Advisers at Paradigm Norton proactively engage with women, acknowledging their unique financial perspectives and goals.

Farida Hassanali shares insights into their approach, stating, “We always default to speaking with couples together, but setting up separate meetings with both parties early in the relationship can really make a difference in helping both partners feel more engaged and comfortable in the process that follows.”

Paradigm Norton’s commitment to #InspireInclusion goes beyond traditional financial planning. The firm is dedicated to fostering an environment where women feel empowered, informed, and confident in their financial decisions. By acknowledging and addressing the distinct financial roles women often hold, Paradigm Norton aims to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable financial landscape.

“At Paradigm Norton, we adopt a unique approach to financial planning. We coach our clients to consider the broader perspective of their life goals and the significant impacts they can make with their wealth. We take pride in the fact that our team is made up of 56% females, and a third of our financial planners are women. This is a significant shift in an industry where the norm is 84% male financial advisors” Barry Horner, CEO of Paradigm Norton, an award-winning financial planning firm (Source: Personal Finance Society)

As International Women’s Day approaches, Paradigm Norton reaffirms its dedication to empowering women in financial planning and looks forward to continuing to champion inclusion in the years to come.

Please note investing places your capital at risk and the value of investments may fall or rise. You should seek competent advice before taking any action. 

Paradigm Norton Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.