International Women’s Day: The small business edition

Jessica Morgan, Founder of Carnsight Communications

This year we’re attending an event to mark International Women’s Day. I always read about International Women’s Day and I think it’s absolutely crucial, but I’m particularly looking forward to it this year as I’ve found being surrounded by other women who are also passionate about championing women’s rights and work across the world incredibly inspiring to me personally.

International Women’s Day is also a chance for us to look beyond our privileged position to consider women who aren’t as fortunate as us. We still have a long way to go in the UK, and I hope to be part of the tide of change here, even in a small way. But in other countries there are women suffering badly every day because of their gender and International Women’s Day is an opportunity to continue to educate people about that.

Steph Palmer, Account Manager at Carnsight Communications

The suffragettes didn’t risk their lives over a century ago for women to still be seen as a weaker sex in 2020 and so, International Women’s Day is crucial to remember those who have changed the world for us throughout history, who have made the world one step closer to being equal for both men and women alike.

However, International Women’s Day also reminds us that in this turbulent period, there are still women out there who still can’t stand up and speak out in the way that I can about their rights, their opinions or their needs. There are still women silenced for simply being women.

We are strong. We are beautiful. We are life givers. We are CEOs. We are successful. We are whatever the hell we want to be.

We are women.

Leigh-Ann Hewer, Intern at Carnsight Communications

International Women’s Day is about acknowledging the fact that being a women is hard. There are so many things in society that are there to trip women up or stop them in their paths, and that sexism is real.

It’s about looking at how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go and reminding ourselves that the experience of a cis, heterosexual white women is not the only experience there is of being a woman.

It’s about raising women up and hearing silenced voices, and remembering that we are all stronger together. It’s a chance to celebrate womanhood, both my own and others, in all its forms.

Kate Smith, Founder of The Makery

I love anything that promotes feminism, I love seeing posts on social media of women lifting up other women through kindness and support, it’s empowering.

International Women’s Day is incredibly important not just for us, but for our younger generations. They need to see that equality is essential, and that being a woman isn’t a set back – it’s a privilege.

Emma Jefferys, Founder of Action Woman

Since setting up my business, I have been bowled over by the enormity of what happens when women come together.

Whether it be the honesty and bravery of clients who come prepared to do the work, the generosity and support of other business owners who go out of their way to build each other up or the magic that happens when we collaborate, it is utterly amazing and something to celebrate in a world that can sometimes feel fickle and selfish.

For me International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to say thank you to all those women who I am lucky enough to have in my life and to inspire the next generation who are walking the path behind us.

Nat Sharp, Founder of Sharp Thinking Marketing

International Women’s Day is about celebrating women’s achievements and how strong physically and mentally they can be.  I’ve worked with a dozen female business owners in the creative industry in the last 12 months, all have had children and taken the bold decision to set up on their own. They are superb role models for the next generation.

They all share the same values – passionate, inspiring and driven.  They are hugely successful multi-taskers and continually challenge themselves every day pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. They are down to earth and honest genuine people.

Regan Anderton, Founder of The Cooking Shed

To me, International Women’s Day means women lifting, supporting, and inspiring other women to help them recognise their potential, and to learn from each other.

To hear more from other inspirational women in business, see our key takeaways from The Festival of Female Entrepreneurs.