To celebrate International Women’s Day, we asked Michelle, Juliette and Alix some questions about this important day and what it means to them.
Michelle Gorringe RN - Chief Operating Officer
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
The chance to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions women have made and are continuing to make in society worldwide. A day to inspire and empower all females to not see gender as a barrier to achieving their goals and aspirations, and to identify positive female role models across all sectors of society.
Can you share an experience about an inspirational woman in your life, or a female public figure you look up to?
I would have answered this very differently last year. This year, my sincere admiration and compassion goes to all of the women of Ukraine. Soldiers on the front line, women that are leading their children and the sick and needy to safety, and those simply fighting to survive. They are truly an inspiration to all of us.
What are the most effective ways to counteract the negative stereotypes of feminism, especially if you come across them in the workplace?
The key to this is education, starting with young children, adopting zero tolerance and making clear, accountable rules. We also need to ensure that we’re celebrating success, genuinely removing gender barriers of entry, and simply hiring the best person for the job. It’s also important that women are given the confidence to speak up and that young girls are taught to value themselves.
What is the best bit of advice you can share for International Women's Day?
Embrace who you are, regardless of your gender or sexuality, and celebrate your achievements and contributions to society. Challenge inequality on all levels and stay true to your beliefs, as this will give you strength.
Juliette Millard RN MSc – Head of Clinical Governance
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
IWD is a special day to celebrate what women achieve and contribute to societies around the world. It also offers the opportunity to consider what has been achieved so far and to look at what more can be done.
Can you share an experience about an inspirational woman in your life, or a female public figure you look up to?
Right now, with what is going on in the world, it feels a little trite to say that I look up to and emulate key business or political figures who have made their mark. In recent days, I've been really struck by the contribution that women are making in Ukraine; of female students and young mothers fighting on the front line. I really honour them, what a brave contribution to make, particularly the young mother leaving her 9-month-old baby to return to her army unit!
What are the most effective ways to counteract the negative stereotypes of feminism, especially if you come across them in the workplace?
I think, fundamentally, this is about education and societal expectations of women (why shouldn't women fight on the front line if they want to?). In the workplace, this can be challenged by celebrating women and their achievements. Research shows that men are more likely to be celebrated for their achievements than women when women do the same thing.
What is the best bit of advice you can share for International Women's Day?
Be proud of who you are and what you contribute and achieve and, above all, shout out about it and challenge the status quo.
Alix Ripley – Sales Director
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women's Day, for me, is a day to give positive visibility to women's achievements, without dismissing or down valuing those of our male counterparts.
Can you share an experience about an inspirational woman in your life, or a female public figure you look up to?
Many women inspire me. But those that stand out are those who are so confident in themselves that they know when and how to say no, whilst remaining intensely ambitious.
What is the best bit of advice you can share for International Women's Day?
My advice: From Boardroom to Babies, and Independence whilst in relationships. You can have it all and more.
For more information about International Women's Day and how you can help to #BreakTheBias, visit the International Women's Day website.
