INTERNATIONAL WOMEN ’ S DAY
International Women ’ s Day on Monday 8th March will see women all over the world , and their supporters , adopt the theme of # choosetochallenge .
A challenged world is an alert world . Individually , we ’ re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day , every day .
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We can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequity . We can choose to seek out and celebrate women ’ s achievements . Collectively , we can all help create an inclusive world .
At a time when we are restricted
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physically due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic , yet subject to change at a pace and in a way none of us could have predicted , are women feeling the impact more than men ?
Research already being carried out into
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the pandemic suggests that women have been more negatively affected in terms of stress both at home and at work , in terms of job losses and also in terms of being able to look for a new job . |
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We ’ ve spoken to ten women in Swindon and Wiltshire about what they are ‘ choosing to challenge ’ as we mark International Women ’ s Day 2021 (# IWD2021 ). |
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Fiona Scott , Scott Media
Journalist & Business Owner
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Fiona Scott has worked in the media for over 30 years , running her own consultancy Scott Media for more than a decade . She lives in Swindon with her husband Steve and between them they have four children aged between 13 and 27 , three of which are young women .
What do you choose to challenge ? I # choosetochallenge the stereotype that successful women in business have to make millions of pounds or ‘ scale up ’.
Why is International Women ’ s Day important to you ? Women are under-represented , underpaid and undervalued across the world of business .
What do we still need to do for gender equality ? Women need to unite to show we have value .
What did you want to be as a kid and did being female hold you back at all ? I wanted to be a journalist . Being a woman has held me back because when you have a family , it ’ s often assumed it will be the woman who will be the main care giver .
What is your advice to your younger self ? And to empower other young women … Take action to achieve goals . When and if partners come along , share dreams and goals and put in equal effort .
Reshma Field , Ishbel ’ s Wardrobe
Will Writer & Style Consultant
Reshma Field is a member of the Institute of Professional Will Writers and a retired solicitor . She also runs her own personal style consultancy , Ishbel ’ s Wardrobe , to help men and women look their best .
What do you choose to challenge ? I # choosetochallenge the mantra women ‘ can have it all ’ as this often equates to ‘ women can do it all ’.
Why is IWD2021 important to you ? Until there is true equality , International Women ’ s Day is an absolute necessity , to showcase amazing women , highlight issues and celebrate feminine power .
What do we still need to do for gender equality ? Until there is equal division of labour in the home , women will always be held back .
What did you want to be as a kid and did being female hold you back at all ? I wanted to be a doctor yet soon realised it wasn ’ t for me . Being female had its disadvantages in my former career in law due to natural breaks raising a family and this delayed my appointment to Partner .
What is your advice to your younger self ? And to empower other young women … It ’ s the advice I now give to my two intelligent and fiercely independent daughters . Self-belief is EVERYTHING .
Never doubt your ability , have confidence , work hard , try your best and prioritise health and happiness .
10 www . tbeswindonandwilts . co . uk