International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come as a society with encouraging and celebrating women for their strength and commitment to gaining the rights and respect they deserve.

Here at Procurement Services, we admire all women for their countless admirable qualities and overall brilliance. We are supportive of the growth and satisfaction of the women in our organisation as we would anyone else and are pleased and excited to celebrate them this week.

In this blog, we have collated 5 questions we felt would generate powerful and inspiring perspectives on female empowerment and gender equality. Hear from some of our employees and what this day means for them.

Jessica Taylor - Channel Marketing Apprentice

1. Who in your personal life has championed your growth and what valuable lessons have they taught you?

My mum has always been there to support me during difficult times, which has really helped me to get through and grow from these experiences. I am very privileged to have her in my life, as she is very kind, empathetic and makes me laugh! She has definitely taught me to be true to myself and make an effort in helping those around me.

2. How has inspiration you’ve received translated into your actions to promote gender equality?

I am definitely inspired by all the powerful women in my life, and people that I see speaking out about gender inequality and taking action to help combat this. I think it's important to understand that actions can be big or small, and all of them make a difference. I will always call out when I feel like someone is being discriminated against due to their gender, and I make an effort not to shrink myself or my voice as a woman. Being true to yourself and speaking up for what you think is right, will always inspire others to do the same.

3. What does a gender-equal world look like to you?

 To me, a gender-equal world is one where we appreciate the differences of gender, but they don't create barriers to living, thriving and pursuing whichever career path you want to take. I think it's important to be aware of our own unconscious biases, educate ourselves, and collaborate to make the world a better place for everyone.

4. Why is it important to continue raising awareness on the pursuit for gender equality?

I think it's important to keep raising awareness, because lots of people believe that feminism is less relevant than it used to be, but really, it's still as important as ever. There are so many places across the world, including the UK, where we need to make positive change so that you are treated equally no matter your gender. Raising awareness of gender inequality helps to advocate for those less privileged and enact positive change.

Millie Vincent - Data Administrator

1. Who is a woman (past or present) who inspires you and why?

It may sound Cliché, but my Mum. She is an incredible woman both in business and in life. She left Scotland at 21 and moved to London with her gay best friend, rather penniless at times but she never let that get her down. She attended night school for accountancy, and now she sits as CEO of a reputable trust in Kent. Her professional achievements are too long to list and beyond impressive, but in her personal life she has had to endure some pretty hard times too. While she was living her life in London, young and free, unfortunately the AIDs breakout did take the life of her best friends. But, because she is superwoman, she carried on. Some years went by, and she then lost her younger brother suddenly and tragically. Again, she picked herself up and carried on strong for her kids and my lovely dad. From hearing about and seeing my Mum trek through hell and back at times, this has taught me enormous strength … how life must carry on even through the toughest of times because there is always good to be found somewhere. She has also shown me that women in business, and even in the highest statuses is entirely achievable. Hard work, determination and being unapologetically yourself can land you CEO. Strong spirit, bravery and kindness can get you through the worst. She inspires me always.

Catherine Collins - Head of Business Operations

1. Who is a woman (past or present) who inspires you and why?

I’m a bit of a history geek, so for me, it’s Elizabeth the First. Why? Because she was facing misogyny and inequality over 400 years ago and overcame the odds and power struggles against her. I’ve always thought that if she could overcome the odds back then and still be viewed as one of our greatest monarchs today, why can’t I be great at what I do too.

2. Why is it important to continue raising awareness on the pursuit for gender equality?

I’ve faced misogyny and inequality in the workplace first hand. When I first started as a manager, the ladies were graded on their hair and makeup as part of their performance reviews! I’ve also had to fight for equal pay, no more than 15 years ago. Whilst we have come a long way since then, there are still places where women are not given the same opportunities, so it’s important to continue to blaze a trail.

Simone Sackey - Channel Marketing Assistant

1. What does a gender-equal world look like to you?

I personally feel as though the term’ gender-equal’ isn’t something that should be taken literally in every circumstance. Men and women are different, biologically and by nature, in a multitude of ways so, in some areas of capability, a man or woman may have the advantage and vice versa. But the variation in strengths, in my opinion, should be celebrated and can be harmlessly used to guide the decisions we make. However, although the characteristics of the average person can be commonly determined by their gender, there will always be exceptions to the rule. It is in these circumstances that we should encourage and welcome individuals to step outside of ‘socio-normative’ expectations, if that is what makes them feel happy and fulfilled. So, to me, a gender equal world isn’t necessarily a world where all men and women should feel obliged to adopt traits, interests and strengths that are typically and biologically outside of their radar, but instead a world where those who desire to look beyond gender norms have the freedom and support to take that step, without being criticised or shut down.

Mollie Pike - Marketing Manager

1. Who is a woman (past or present) who inspires you and why?

My manager Kirsty is a huge inspiration to me because she genuinely cares about our team's well-being and growth. She always has our backs, even during tough times, and her positive attitude is contagious. I've learned so much from her ability to handle challenges with a smile but also her determination to help get the best out in everyone. Her support and encouragement make me want to do my best every day.

2. What does a gender-equal world look like to you?

A gender-equal world to me is one where everyone has equal opportunities and rights, regardless of gender. Where gender stereotypes no longer limit individuals' potential and where diversity is celebrated. It's crucial to continue raising awareness about gender equality to ensure progress is being made and create a more inclusive society for all.

Alison Ponter - Framework Manager

1. Who is a woman (past or present) who inspires you and why?

There are two similar women who continue to inspire me they are Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift both miles apart in age but both very close in kind nature, remembering even at the top you can reach down and help others, Kindness is a super power and both these ladies have it in abundance. Taylor is well known for funding local food banks on her tours, campaigning to protect children from online predators, donations to RAINN and the Joyful heart foundation. Pledge of million dollars to assist Hurricane Helens flood victims, 250 thousand dollars to help Kansas families in need. Dolly has a foundation that includes the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which sends free books to 1 million children every month in the mail. In addition to this, she has continually shown up as an advocate for LGBTQ rights, helped to fund and support publicly the Moderna Covid Vaccine, and sent 500,000 books to children caught up in wildfire disasters in America. Taylor has over the last couple of years bought people together through a common interest and although I am not a particular fan of her music you can see the positive influence She has had on young girls and women to be independent and powerful. If you can, help others. We need more Dollys and Taylors!!

Richard Sowten - Public Sector Engagement Manager

1. Who is a woman (past or present) who inspires you and why?

My wife Sarah is the person who has inspired me to be the best version of myself, as she is kind, loving and wants to help everyone. 

2. Who in your personal life has championed your growth and what valuable lessons have they taught you?

My mum is that person and she has taught me to treat everyone how I would like to be treated.

3. How has inspiration you’ve received translated into your actions to promote gender equality?

My daughter Phoebe has inspired me to look at gender equality through the eyes of a 22-year-old woman as gender equality wasn’t around much when I was younger, so it has been very refreshing.

4. What does a gender-equal world look like to you?

Using CSG I feel that this is a perfect workplace that shows a gender equal world.

5. Why is it important to continue raising awareness on the pursuit for gender equality?

We are all human and all genders need to have the same voice.

Hannah Etheridge - Public Sector Engagement Assistant

1. Who is a woman (past or present) who inspires you and why?

A woman who inspires me is Olivia Attwood. As much as she’s known to be very outspoken and brazen, she has become an icon for me as someone with ADHD (she has ADHD herself). She is never anything but unapologetically herself and remains curious about the world around her.

2. Who in your personal life has championed your growth and what valuable lessons have they taught you?

Someone who has championed my growth within my personal life is my best friend, Rhiannon. She is always a beacon of positivity and honesty. She has never asked me to be anything other than myself and we always love to watch each other grow and develop. We’ve seen so many different versions of each other for around 13 years, and we’ve always been by each other’s sides.

3. How has inspiration you’ve received translated into your actions to promote gender equality?

My friendships with women have always reminded me that support is unconditional and that we don’t have to settle for anything less. I try to take that into my friendships with women and support them as much as I can.

4. What does a gender-equal world look like to you?

A world where women don’t have to feel any less safe or equal than a man just for being born as a woman.

5. Why is it important to continue raising awareness on the pursuit for gender equality?

Because we’re still not there yet. The world still needs change in order to create a safe and fair society for all.

Connie Courtnell - Channel Marketing Assistant

1. Who (past or present) is a woman who inspires you and why?

The women in my life who I truly couldn’t live without would be my amazing mum. She inspires and motivates me every single day, always knowing exactly what to say to lift me up. If I am feeling down, just a five-minute conversation with her can completely shift my mindset and give me strength to take on anything. On International Women’s Day, I’m celebrating her and all the incredible women who make the world a better place!

Mujammel Hussain - Public Sector Engagement Manager

1. Who is a woman (past or present) who inspires you and why?

My Mum. She left her home country and started a new life from scratch with 6 children. Being a parent myself now I understand the magnitude of this task. Conforming to a new way of life and giving us all everything we needed materially and emotionally.

2. Who in your personal life has championed your growth and what valuable lessons have they taught you?

My Wife has been my number one cheerleader. Teaching me patience and being more understanding of different perspectives. Helping me grow by believing in hard work and a strong mindset being the foundation of all things positive.

3. How has inspiration you’ve received translated into your actions to promote gender equality?

Being raised by my mum and looking up to my elder sisters who are the backbone of our family has demonstrated to me that we see people based on their hard work and merit not gender.

Kirsty Bridgland - Head of Brand Relationship Management

1. Who is a woman (past or present) who inspires you and why?

My parents have been instrumental in my life, and I am very lucky to have had their support throughout the years. They have taught me about the importance of working hard and trying my best, treating everyone with respect and kindness, and to have fun and laughter along the way, because life is short. My mum is a pillar of strength in our family, and I have always looked to her for guidance and advice on life – the big things and the small – and I can always rely on her to tell it to me straight, but to also be one of my biggest cheerleaders for everything I look to do.