‘Inspire Inclusion’ – International Women’s Day 2024
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, underpinning the importance of understanding every woman’s uniquely personal viewpoints and achievements throughout their lives. Diversity and representation are crucial for Inspire Inclusion, with this year’s campaign encouraging a collective recognition of how women, regardless of their backgrounds, encounter barriers to inclusion. Truly diverse and inclusive communities can unlock the distinctive perspectives of women, empowering every woman to continue to achieve.
IWD is an annual celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also shines a light on areas of life – both personal and professional – that require attention to further progress towards gender equality. Through communication, public awareness, and support, implicit barriers that women all over the world face will be at the forefront of people’s minds, enabling significant progress towards inclusion and equality.
What does Inspire Inclusion mean to us?
Everyone has their own personal experiences and thoughts on inclusion. We spoke to women across the business to find out what Inspire Inclusion means to them.
Roxy (Business Development team)
A quote that means a lot to me is: ‘A woman is a human. She is not better, wiser, stronger, more intelligent, more creative, or more responsible than a man. Likewise, she is never less. Equality is a given’. Equality should not be a challenge and women should not have to prove themselves, and I hope that by continuing to shine a light on women’s accomplishments across the globe that inequalities can be reduced to zero.
Kaye (Chair of HETAS)
I’m always keen to show my support for International Women’s Day and I’m proud that HETAS are once again getting involved. I really believe that by investing in women through supporting, recruiting, retaining, and developing female talent will make our workplace better for all. My son messages me and his sister a happy International Women’s Day every year – I feel this really exemplifies how we need to continue engaging men in the conversation so we can Inspire Inclusion.
Sam (Operations Manager)
Seeing women in leadership positions is fundamental. It is vitally important for women to feel empowered and supported to attain decision-making roles in businesses; the value that they bring cannot be understated. I’m proud to be part of an inclusive workplace where women are encouraged to achieve and reach their full potential.
Helen (Head of Finance)
Back in the 1980s, before I started work, I was told at school by a male careers teacher that because I was slightly below average or the year (being one of the youngest), I wouldn’t have a career and I’d probably just go off and have children anyway! This was back in the ’80s so equality was rarely at the forefront of people’s minds, let alone actively talked about.
This passing comment has stuck with me all through my working life and is one of the reasons I am so passionate about equality, especially in the workplace. Gender, race, background, or beliefs should not affect how you are treated or your opportunities. Whilst we have come a long way from my experiences in the ’80s, inequality is still present – often in much more subtle ways – and there is a long way to go. At HETAS we are continually learning and improving; the company is a great place to work with a diverse workforce that embraces our differences, taking time to listen to employees.
Carrie (Head of HR and Training)
As a company, we are passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion. We aim to create a workplace that is gender equal, with fair opportunities for all, and a culture that values diversity. We want everyone to feel comfortable to be themselves, regardless of gender, race, disability, sexuality, religion, etc.
As an individual, I fully support and promote all of the above but I think it is also important to recognise that it has not always been easy for women in business, and sometimes in life generally. We’ve not always had the same opportunities or felt able to achieve the same as male colleagues for example, and I’m talking from experience, having worked in two male-dominated industries!
So whilst I fully promote inclusion, I am also extremely proud of all that women achieve in and out of the workplace. At home, you’ll often hear me stating that I should be called Wonder Woman, having worked all day and then arriving home to cook, clean, feed, counsel, decorate, and plan events, but I’m also conscious that it is not only women that do this.
I am proud to be a role model for my daughter and other women, particularly those wanting to achieve successful careers alongside a busy homelife.
Let us know on social what ‘Inspire Inclusion’ means to you and how you’ll be celebrating this year’s IWD.
