This theme of this year’s International Women’s Day of Accelerate Action has never been more important.
At the current rate of progress it will take until 2158 to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. It’s so important to take action to address the systemic barriers and biases that women face to speed up the rate of progress worldwide.
To celebrate IWD, the PRPR team has taken the time to talk about the women that inspire them every day.
Allie Andrews – CEO
I am lucky because there are so many women in my life and in the wider world who have inspired me over the years and usually I would be hard pushed to single one out. However, this year it is easy. It is my sister Louise Kermode.
She is a qualified occupational therapist and now works as Director of Community Mental Health Services for a charity. Her dedication and passion for improving mental health services, particularly for children and young people, is amazing. She is a great mum. She tirelessly supported my dad (and all of us) through his dementia. She called me every day when I had cancer.
For the past 6 months she has been going through gruelling treatment for breast cancer, including surgery and chemotherapy. She would not be happy with me if I said it was a ‘journey’ or mentioned how brave she is. As she puts it, she has no choice but to get on with it. However, she is facing it all with amazing strength, humour and also kindness to everyone who she comes in contact with.
I guess what I am saying is, she has always been inspirational but this year, for me, she stands head and shoulders above everyone else.
Debbie Jones – COO
I have had a long think about a woman that inspired me to be the person that I am today and I have to say my Mum Jean Aldis.
Jean was one of the most supportive and inclusive individuals I have ever had the honour of knowing. She never got her name in lights and people won’t be mentioning her in the media, but for anyone that had the pleasure to meet her then she always had a positive effect on them. Born in 1930 in London she experience the Second World War in London and went out to work at age 14 to help support her Mother, Father and 3 sisters. She was an Employee, Wife, Carer and Mother. She taught me to respect, be kind, resilient, listen, work hard and have fun in life.
Remember as a woman you don’t always have to be recognised for changing the world. You can influence and support those in your life and that will have a domino effect.
Tracey Treanor – Senior Account Manager
I am honouring my mum on International Women’s Day
My mum is my inspiration, she was widowed before the age of 30 with four children under the age of 10.
When I was young, she supported me in attending my plays (when I played Mary in the Christmas play and The Little Match Girl), concerts (playing the clarinet and recorder) and even encouraged me to train as a journalist and I will never forget her face when she read my first front page story in the Harrow Times.
My mum has managed to share her support and love with all four of her children and this has now been extended to her grandchildren, with my mum helping me back to work after having my child by offering much-needed childcare.
This International Women’s Day, I honour every mum who, despite not being acknowledged for it nearly as much as you should be, you are the backbone of the family, and you are loved more than you can imagine.
Rachel Williams – Digital Marketing Manager
I’m inspired by many women, both public figures and those I know personally, but I’m fortunate to feel that inspiration at my workplace. I feel the effects of strong female leadership by our CEO, Allie Andrews, and our COO, Debbie Jones. They are not only excellent at what they do, but they lead with passion and kindness. I have always admired the way in which no task is deemed beneath them – they are happy to support their team and get the job done, without imposing a strict hierarchy. The team’s wellbeing is important to them.
As a result, we all work more efficiently. Ideas are welcomed, any concerns can be talked through together, and we have a laugh during our team meetings.
Sarah Ward – Senior Account Executive
It’s so hard to narrow it down to just one woman, as I’m so fortunate to have met so many incredible women in this industry. Whether they’re working on the technical side or the marketing side, it’s easy to find inspiration every day.
If I had to choose one, I think it would have to be my mum. She wasn’t dealt the best hand of cards shortly after giving birth to me and we often struggled for money growing up. However, this isn’t something that my sister and I would ever know of. We always had food on the table, always had the best toys, and she always had a smile on her face. Her support meant that, despite our financial misfortunes, I was able to be the first person in my family to go to university and be where I am today. I think social media often portrays mums in a very unrelatable way that can make the ordinary woman feel like they aren’t good enough. But, I know from experience that a good mum is simply just one that shows up.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can support International Women’s Day, you can visit their website.
