International Women’s Day (IWD) is a celebration honoured worldwide of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s a day to raise awareness about gender equality and advocate for women’s rights and empowerment worldwide. This year’s overarching theme, #InvestinWomen, is to stress the importance of supporting women’s education, healthcare, economic independence, and leadership growth to move closer to gender equality.
The theme of #InspireInclusion is also circulating, which emphasises the importance of forming a society where women are valued, appreciated and empowered to participate – a society where women feel included.
Today, we share what International Women’s Day means to us.
Louise Hughes, Senior Marketing Manager
International Women’s Day is a day of celebration for anyone who has ever been through adversity. I’m proud of what I have achieved: as a professional, a mum to my very demanding 6-year-old, and someone who (hopefully) inspires and empowers others to be the best they can be in any walk of life.
Sian Cummins, FCP Analyst
To me, International Women’s Day means an opportunity to reflect on how far women have come, to highlight what still needs to be done to ensure that women around the world are equal, and to recognise the contribution the women in my life have made to make me the woman I am today.
I believe that we should not wait until International Woman’s Day to recognise these inequalities but strive every day to ensure that we all have equal rights and opportunities.
Jill White, Office Manager
Being a woman, first and foremost, means being myself.
Being a woman means looking out for each other.
Being a woman means being a role model.
Being a woman means being loyal. To be strong, but not to see weakness as a failure.
Being a woman means to be brave even though you feel scared.
We should praise ourselves more often. We deal with many “jobs” daily and do them well!
Melissa Mitsis, PA
The success and achievements of a woman should be recognised and be an inspiration to others!
Rhianne Holmes, FCP Analyst
International Women’s Day provides us with the opportunity to reflect upon the successes of women. To celebrate our similarities and differences, exploring our intrinsic connections. IWD should also be used as a catalyst for open, honest dialogue. To look at the intersectionality of female experiences, whereby women’s opportunities are disproportionately affected by discrimination and bias due to factors such as age, race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability etc. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure all women are being lifted. Success can only be enjoyed once experienced by all.
Katerina Doxey, Senior BD & Marketing Executive
International Women’s Day is a day of recognition and appreciation of women past and present. It’s a day to celebrate our achievements, highlight our struggles and emphasise the importance of continued progression, both in the workplace and the wider world.
Tanya Craft, Audit Director
To me, International Women’s Day means: Inclusion. Women are a force to be reckoned with. International Women’s Day represents the push towards gender equality and celebrating just how capable women are. Linking specifically to business, where inclusion and equality exists, success normally follows.
La’Reize Bromfield, Compliance Analyst
International Women’s Day means Women Power! Uplifting and supporting all the women around me, speaking positively and being there for one another!
Tamara Howe, Financial Crime Prevention Director & MLRO
All Women, including transgender women, deserve acceptance within the world. We have so much to offer and have a right to be seen. International Women’s Day promotes this, and we need to continue to drive this agenda.
This year’s theme focuses on inspiring inclusion. As women, we need to ensure that we accept everyone for who they are, withhold judgment and champion women throughout our businesses. Everyone has something to offer, and we must revoke internal biases and support our women.
Bethany Hine, Audit Senior Supervisor
International Women’s Day is important to me as it reminds me to celebrate the strength and achievements of myself and women around me. It is a day to appreciate the privilege of being supported and inspired by so many strong women, but to remember there is still work to be done to ensure equality for women worldwide.
Anna Youle, Supervisor – Private Client Department
IWD is a day to reflect on what women have achieved so far, but it is also a day to spark conversation and recognise the need to continue to uplift and support women around the world.
Nina Okocha, Financial Crime Prevention Assistant Manager
International Women’s Day for me is a day to celebrate the resilience, strength, and achievements of women past, present, and worldwide. As a black woman, it is a reminder of the obstacles we’ve overcome and the milestones we’ve achieved despite the systematic inequalities. It’s a chance to urge others to continue fighting for justice, equality, and representation in all spheres of life. It serves as a day for me to reaffirm my commitment to forging a future where the next generations won’t endure the same struggles and burdens that we have shouldered.
Mandy Janes, Partner
International Women’s Day is important particularly in a traditionally male-dominated field like accountancy.
The day serves as a reminder of the progress made in advancing gender equality and the work that still lies ahead. International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the accountancy profession, and to recognise the contributions, expertise, and leadership of females at HW Fisher in particular.
I am very proud to have reached the position of partner and hope that I am a visible symbol of the opportunities that exist for women in our workplace. It is clear that challenges still exist, such as the gender pay gap and barriers to advancement, including the complexities of maternity leave and childcare. I strive to advocate for continuing change at HWFisher and encourage solidarity and optimism among my female colleagues, fostering a supportive environment where all professionals can thrive regardless of gender.
Tamara Lopes, Financial Crime Prevention Manager
On International Women’s Day, we acknowledge and celebrate the contributions women around the world make to society every day.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to find out more.
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