International Women’s Day (IWD) – 8th March 2022

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. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.

Every year at 3SC we mark IWD and this is also reflected through the year too – be that with our programmes to support Parents (particularly Mums!) to get back into work, helping employers become more family friendly, or through our internal practices. For example, we ensure that we recruit fairly, support our female colleagues at different points in their lives such as during pregnancy or through menopause but more importantly by providing an inclusive work culture where women’s careers thrive and their achievements are celebrated. And this is also one of the missions of IWD.

To mark the day and acknowledge the history behind it, we asked our female colleagues to share some of their favourite quotes and sayings.

Joanne Cholerton, CEO:

Joanne Cholerton, 3SC

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together” Marilyn Monroe.

I love this quote from Marilyn Monroe and used to have it framed on my wall. I always think of it in my personal and professional life when something isn’t going way I want it to.

It reminds me to be positive and that actually something better might come as a result of it and usually that is exactly what happens!

Kathryn Jellings, Head of Employment Programmes:

Kathryn Jellings, 3SC

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” Dr Seuss, Oh The Places You’ll Go.

I like this quote as the image it conjures always makes me smile. It’s also proactive and reminds me not to dwell on things but to get on and sort them out. To do things with a smile and a bit of humour is also very ‘me’!

Denise Blackwell, Risk and Quality Manager:

Denise Blackwell, 3SC

Look at the world as a glass half-full person that way you will see the best of people and situations.

Dance like no one is watching
Sing like no one is listening
Live in the moment as it may be all we have.

Don’t live in the past, you have no control over things that have already happened
Live in the present and do what you can to make the future better for everyone.

Think of your life/work as a doughnut.
The middle of the doughnut is things you have no control over and it is no good worrying about them.
The outer ring of the doughnut are the things you do have some control over, this is where you should concentrate you energy and efforts.

These are a few sayings that I try to apply to my life, particularly when I come across any issues!

If you would like to get involved on International Women’s Day 2022 and beyond there is lots of information on the IWD website: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Kathryn Jellings, Head of Employment Programmes, 3SC