#IWD2024 at Accounts and Legal

International Women’s Day is recognised around the globe for celebrating the incredible achievements of women. It’s also about remembering the historic struggles that women have been through as well as being aware of the progress that’s still needed today.

The UK job market is taking baby steps towards a truly inclusive workplace, however, there is a long way to go. One positive stat, however, was that the number of women in high-skilled jobs was up 38.5% since 2010. Hopefully, the next 10 years will see this number rise so that opportunities are truly equal for everyone.

For International Women’s Day, we spoke to some of the amazing women who make up our 60% female workforce. They shared with us some wisdom and advice that they’d give to their younger selves and told us who their inspirations were. Find out what they had to say below:

 

Lorraine – National Director of Sales

 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t sweat the small stuff! Things happen for a reason, and you are where you need to be because that’s where you’re meant to be!

 

Do you feel women are misrepresented or have difficulty in your field?

I think things have got better but the needs and requirements of motherhood are just not protected or assisted when it comes to the majority of careers in the UK.

 

Has there been a powerful female leader that’s inspired you and what about them inspired you?

Michelle Obama – a successful woman in her own right as well as balancing family life!

 

What would you say to inspire the next generation of women entering the workplace?

Push, Push, Push! Don’t accept less of anything!

 

Who’s your favourite fictional female character and why?

Wonder Woman because she kicks butt!

 

Hannah – Client Success Associate

 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Being kind isn’t a weakness.

 

Do you feel women are misrepresented or have difficulty in your field?

I think women can often be underrepresented therefore it’s positive to see and encourage conversation about women in the workplace, especially in leadership positions to not reinforce gender biases.

 

Has there been a powerful female leader that’s inspired you and what about them inspired you?

There are so many powerful female leaders in the world however Dolly Parton has some legendary quotes to live by, one of which reminds me not to take life too seriously… or, personally! – “I’m not offended by dumb blonde jokes because I know that I’m not dumb. I also know that I’m not a blonde.”

 

What would you say to inspire the next generation of women entering the workplace?

Be confident and don’t worry about what people think about you too much. As they say, today’s news is tomorrow’s chip paper!

 

Who’s your favourite fictional female character and why?

Hermione Granger – I grew up with Harry Potter, Hermione is a great role model; she’s kind, intellectual and courageous! Also, the Bride from Kill Bill because she’s a really cool female assassin!

 

Becky – Head of Payroll

 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

One piece of advice- follow your heart over your head!

 

Do you feel women are misrepresented or have difficulty in your field?

Payroll is mostly a Female environment so probably not! We are 100% female represented in our team.

 

Has there been a powerful female leader that’s inspired you and what about them inspired you?

Rebel Wilson! For not following the sheep, being her unique self and being a role model for the gay community too.

 

What would you say to inspire the next generation of women entering the workplace?

Never be afraid to ask for help. You are capable of more than you know and never stick around if your employer doesn’t show your worth.

 

Who’s your favourite fictional female character and why?

Wonder Woman! Showing strength in a male-dominated Marvel environment.

 

Jess – Business Development Consultant

 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

To not take everything to heart so much.

 

Do you feel women are misrepresented or have difficulty in your field?

Yes, the gender pay gap as well as the pressure to balance being a great parent, partner and worker is very much still there.

 

Has there been a powerful female leader that’s inspired you and what about them inspired you?

Emmeline Pankhurst – the fact that she stood up and fought for women’s rights to be heard not just politically but socially.

 

What would you say to inspire the next generation of women entering the workplace?

Make sure to stand up for yourself.

 

Who’s your favourite fictional female character and why?

She – Ra, because she is such a strong independent woman who can turn from a regular girl into a superhero.

 

Wrapping up

 

It’s great to see the progress of women in the workplace over recent years, but there’s still a long way to go! Because ultimately having an equal workplace will only benefit all of us.

A big thank you to all four of the team for getting involved today and I think we can all agree that Wonder Woman does indeed kick butt!