inteRnational WOMEN’S DAY

March 8th is a day that belongs to all women, everywhere. International Women’s Day highlights how women all over the world have fought, and still fight, for gender equality.

The International Womens Day 2023 campaign theme is #EmbraceEquity. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality.

currently, women face inequality and bias in all parts of their lives and the workplace is no different. inequality is even higher in women of colour, trans women, and women of marginalised groups. the coronavirus pandemic highlighted how disproportionately women are affected in the workplace. in 2020 alone, women globally lost $8 billion in income. Reports by oxfam International showed that in the first year of the pandemic more than 64 million women lost their jobs, that’s around 5% of total jobs held by women. By comparison, only 3.9% of men’s jobs were lost in the same period. globally women make up 70% of the health and social care workforce, this sector includes essential but low-wage jobs. in 2023 women are still being passed over for high-paid roles and are still overrepresented in many low-wage roles, such as waitressing, child-care, and housekeeping.

During the pandemic two of the main reasons that millions of women had to leave their jobs was the lack of childcare available and because the roles they held were the highest casualties of lockdowns. currently, mothers are three times more likely to be responsible for the majority of housework and child care than fathers. Women are also twice as likely to worry about their work performance being judged negatively by employers because of their caregiving responsibilities. in the last few years, women have made significant gains in representation in the workplace but research shows that bias still contributes to women being passed over for jobs and promotions. it’s clear that we still have a long way to go, so in 2023 we need to campaign even louder. employers and the government need to actively do more to break the bias women face in the workplace. 2023 needs to see the beginning of more options for women to retrain for higher paid job roles in all job sectors and companies need to offer more flexibility for women with families. companies need to take women’s experiences in the workplace more seriously. over 60 percent of women state they have faced micro-aggression at work but fewer than half report this behaviour because they are afraid of being labelled emotional or judged incapable. companies need to educate staff members, including senior management, on appropriate behaviour and language to ensure that women do not face negative bias in their workplace. this international Women’s Day you can join the #embraceequity campaign and help call out gender bias and inequality. as women, we need to come together and actively challenge any bias we encounter. Don’t be afraid to call out inequality when you see it, awareness and education are the key pillars to ensuring that we end gender bias. For the whole of march why not use your social media platforms to celebrate the women in your life, share their achievements, tell them how proud you are of them, be their biggest fan. never forget we are stronger together and by working together we will end inequality for all women!

Halo Hairdressing - Julie & saraH -

Tell us a little bit about yourselves and your business. Sarah and I have been a partnership since 2009 after Plymouth and South Devon coop decided to sell the non-food departments, including the salon that we both worked in. We have survived two recessions and numerous lockdowns!

Have you noticed any bias being a female business owner?

Being female business owners, especially Sarah, who is younger than me and was only in her early twenties at the time we bought the business, we did notice at times, an element of surprise when dealing with either reps or workmen, when we needed services. In conversations I have been told, “we won’t explain in detail as you won’t understand “! In the earlier years, when asked if the owner is around, we have seen a look of surprise when we have explained that we are the owners!

Have you noticed any positive changes to the way the world views female business owners?

When buying our new premises, an old bank, we both detected an element of surprise when we turned up to meet some professionals quoting us for works needed. Partly as we were women and partly the younger age we think. As the years have passed, I would say that there are noticeable positive changes and as we meet with professionals we don’t have the element of surprise.

What would you say to a female reader who may be keen to start their own business?

To any female owner who may be thinking of starting their own business, we would say “go for it”!

Travel Counsellor - laura JaCkson -

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business. I set up my business a few months into lockdown. I know it sounds crazy, running a travel agency, when no one could travel?

However, even though the timing wasn’t perfect, it was exactly where I wanted to be. I knew that after over a decade of teaching scuba diving around the world combined with 3 years working as a travel agent on the high street had lead me to the next step I wanted to take in life. I’m so happy that I can offer my clients a dedicated and personal service, years of experience and expertise plus an awesome App to make life easy. I’m supported by Travel Counsellors who are award winning and the best fit for the business I want to run. I am here to take away the stress and faff of researching and managing a holiday for those that might not have the desire, time or know how to do it themselves. My goal is to make sure my clients book the holiday they really want, have a fab time and get home safely.

Have you noticed any bias being a female business owner?

Luckily, within this industry no. When I attend conferences, training or supplier events there is no feeling of bias. During lock down, I had to do all my networking online. I found a weekly webinar session with a group called Jelly South West and I instantly felt part of a community. I was surrounded by other local business owners who just wanted to support each other. I have been one of their Plymouth Amabassors for nearly a year and really enjoy the monthly meet ups. At the start of the year I joined Plymouth Business Networking and again was given such a warm and positive welcome.

Have you noticed any positive changes to the way the world views female business owners?

I think the Pandemic made changes. There is so much support out there for small business owners who are starting out. In Plymouth there are many free coworking groups, training and networking events. I discovered the wonderful Holly Tucker during lock down, who I found to be really inspiring with a great message. I believe that showing your expertise and value, always doing right by your clients, working hard and backing yourself will always shine through no matter your gender.

What would you say to a female reader who may be keen to start their own business?

I wanted to be my own boss and build something of my own within an industry I love. You just have to go for it, especially if it feels right regardless of what else is happening in the world. It may feel like a big leap but you’ll be so glad you did it.

viCToria BolT esTaTe agenT - viCToria BolT -

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business. I’m a 40-year-old mum of two children, James 11 and Grace 6 and wife to Alex. I run my own estate agency business in the local Plymouth and South Hams area. I’ve been running my business for 15 months after being made redundant from my job of 16 years. i decided to take the leap into self-employment so that i could have a better work-life balance, as i work my business around my children and their busy lives, who knew that school and various sporting activities would take up so much time. as a female business owner, i have noticed a few instances of bias. i try to focus on my strengths and use those to overcome any obstacles. i have also found that being persistent and having a positive attitude can help me push through any biases that i may face. additionally, i have found that networking with other female business owners can be very helpful in providing advice and support. absolutely! in recent years, i have noticed a shift in the way that female business owners are perceived in the world. more people are recognising the value that women bring to the business industry, and are seeing the success that female business owners are having. this is exciting and encouraging to see, as it demonstrates the progress that has been made in the area of female entrepreneurship and leadership in the business world.

Have you noticed any bias being a female business owner?

Have you noticed any positive changes to the way the world views female business owners?