International Women’s Day falls on the 8th of March as a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The IWD 2023 campaign theme drives worldwide understanding of why equal opportunities aren’t enough! The theme here not only celebrates women but drives us to truly embrace equality and equal opportunity. Everyone and anyone can rally and celebrate International Women’s Day and help to establish gender equality. To find out more about what you can do to celebrate and support International Women’s Day 2023, you can find out more information on the official website.
Annually celebrated, IWD is a day to:
- celebrate women’s achievements
- educate and awareness raise for women’s equality
- call for positive change advancing women
- lobby for accelerated gender parity
- fundraise for female-focused charities
In the spirit of celebrating international women’s day, we turn the spotlight to the women of TIPI Group to delve into the subject of equality in the workplace.
This International Women’s Day, the theme is about not just celebrating women, but truly embracing equality and equal opportunity, how does this apply to your experience here at TIPi group?
What has always stood out to me is the friendly and supportive atmosphere across the teams and agencies in the Group. The house set up and internal training across departments are ‘structures’ which encourage this too. The reason I think this is important is that people in different roles, often with very different routes to marketing, learn from each other. Knowing that my team have allies in other departments makes me calmer and happier as a manager. The result is that opportunities are there for the taking if you want them and you work as a tribe not a lone wolf!
What does female empowerment in the workplace mean to you?
Women’s empowerment in the workplace can be defined in several ways for me including:
- Encouraging and allowing women to pursue opportunities to develop their professional careers.
- Empowering women to feel that they can thrive at work and have the skills to aim even higher.
- Having strong, confident women in leadership positions and having equal opportunities.
Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?
Everyone knows that diversity in the workplace is a great thing, but why? Well, it’s important if a company wants to be innovative, inclusive, successful, and a great place to work. Every single person sees the world differently and has a different lived experience, so not only is it important to share those experiences, but our business also will have access to a wider range of talent. If people feel they bring their whole selves to work, they will be happier and more fulfilled, and therefore more productive.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
I’m lucky enough to work in an industry that feels well-balanced in terms of equal opportunities for men and women and have worked for employers who empower and celebrate women in the workplace.
For young women starting their careers, I would encourage them to look at employers who value equality and put these beliefs into practice.
While there are many ways an employer can champion women, one way is through the support they offer during and post maternity leave. An employer who offers flexibility around working hours so a mother returning to work can balance commitments will make the shift back to work much easier and more enjoyable. I’ve found returning to work such a rewarding process, but this has only been possible through company support.
Plenty of companies are still lagging with these approaches, and the results are not just detrimental to women, but to an entire household.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Whilst I have been very fortunate in my career so far with those around me, including colleagues and managers, cheering me on and empowering me, it has not come without my own self-doubt.
Women are more likely than men to say they criticise themselves more than other people criticise them, by 62% to 51% (YouGov study March 2022).
I know of so many who experience imposter syndrome and it can be so disheartening, but on average it tends to be women who experience these feelings of self-doubt. My personal thoughts on the reason behind this is that not many generations ago offices were filled with men, however, slowly but surely we are combatting that and there are so many inspiring women in incredible senior-positions.
How can we overcome imposter syndrome?
I think it’s a case of continuing to cheer on woman together, championing achievements and creating a supportive network whether that’s within your team, company or friendship group.
How can we encourage more women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?
It is important that women are exposed to role models they can relate to. They need to see women with whom they can identify in prestigious and powerful roles. That becomes part of their repertoire as possible selves.
Women need to feel confident in their own self-belief – the belief that they can take on leadership roles. This requires training to help improve self-esteem and develop confidence.
Women and men in leadership roles also have an onus to recruit and support other women. These people are the gatekeepers to leadership roles: therefore, it is important that our leaders of today are willing to recruit women into senior positions.
Thank you to the women of TIPi Group, we hope you are inspired by their wise words this International Women’s Day.
