The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 11: Spring 2019 | Page 5

BUSINESS NEWS Cover Story: International Women’s Day 2019 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day (Friday 8th March) we took to the streets of Bath for a special photoshoot. International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The theme of this year’s day is Balance for Better with the key messaging being ‘Let’s build a gender- balanced world’ where everyone has a part to play – all the time, everywhere. Anita Jaynes owner of The Business Exchange said,“International Women’s Day is about parity. It’s not about ruling the world, it’s about being treated fairly and equally alongside our male counterparts. It’s about receiving took part in the photoshoot, what International Women’s Day means to them? Charlotte Thursz, Communications and Project Manager for Bath Business Improvement District said, “International Women’s Day holds a special place in my heart as it falls on my birthday. I was first introduced to it by a friend in Italy as social occasion with female friends and relatives. “For me, it is a time to reflect on the progress being made in gender balance – celebrating differences as well as girls that they can do anything they want to – and nothing they don’t want to.” Fatima Polder, Fidelius Group, added,“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the significant progress that has been made in raising people’s awareness about gender inequality. I also hope that it will serve to re-energise all of us to pursue the goal of finally eradicating the disparities that have plagued society for so long. Openness, honesty, integrity, opportunity and fairness are all that is required.” Over 60 women representing nearly 40 businesses based in Bath and its surrounds met at the Parade Gardens to take this issue’s front cover image. “I’m keen that the next generation are educated to appreciate and encourage the contributions of all members of society irrespective of gender” equal pay for the same roles and there being equal representation of men and women on corporate boards. “This front cover isn’t about girl power and feminism, it’s about standing together in support of other women in the world who have much greater struggles than us. We stand with them in support of their plight and alongside this celebrate everything that’s great about being female and being in business locally. “We are incredibly fortunate that there’s a strong network of business women who support one another in this area from acting as advice soundboards to referring business.” We asked some of the ladies who equality - but there is still so much to do. I am particularly keen that the next generation are educated to appreciate and encourage the contributions of all members of society irrespective of gender.” Carole Banwell, General Manager of Bath City Football Club added, “International Women’s Day is about making a noise to celebrate women’s talents and achievements. About banding together and realising that through the confidence achieved in numbers we really can make a difference. It’s about empowering everyone to call out everyday sexism every day, every time, everywhere. About telling our young women and Nicola McHale, VI International concluded, “IWD is a time to celebrate what we have achieved with the courageousness of the great women before us. Now let us make the most of the opportunity we have and celebrate our strengths, our differences and make change happen. We must make this world a better place for our children. It is not about making excuses and blaming anyone else – it is up to us.” Local film company Bower Films joined us on photoshoot day and made a short video for us to share online. Visit tbebathandsomerset.co.uk from 8th March to see the final edit. Follow the International Women’s Day conversation on social media using the hashtags #IWD2019 #BalanceforBetter For more info: www.internationalwomensday.com Turn to page 22 to read our special International Women’s Day article asking the question, ‘Women have to choose between a career and a family - don’t they?’ Industry leading document & print management solutions Headquartered in Bath since 1984 0845 688 6868 [email protected] www.1st-office.com THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 5