International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Celebrated first in 1911, March 8th is the annual calendar date when the world comes together to recognise inspirational women in everything they do.
Here at redk, we support our female colleagues and partners each and every day. This International Women’s Day, however, we’re taking an additional moment to reflect.
To celebrate this year, we asked some of our staff to explain why International Women’s Day is valuable to men and women in the world of work. Our team shared stories about women who inspire them, their opinions on how men can contribute to women’s empowerment, and advice for women looking to break into business. Read on to find out what our redk team has to say about celebrating influential women on March 8th – and every day in between.
Who inspires you?
‘Anyone brave enough to follow their own path.’
Yessica Gonçalves, Business Analyst
‘My best friend has always inspired me. She has never let fear of the unknown get in her way of living in the present moment and accomplishing her life goals.’
Hayley Franco, Head of Finance & Administration
‘Every woman with remarkable achievements. However, I would say Oprah Winfrey is one of the most inspiring women in my life, especially knowing her story, what she went through and all the difficulties she overcame to achieve what she was dreaming of. Her accomplishments can teach us a very important lesson: nothing is impossible if we believe in ourselves and how unique we are.’
Lara Herrera Saaddin, Business Analyst
‘My mum has always excelled in her career. She brought us up with the mindset of always learning new things and taught us that being smart is a powerful thing. This has inspired me to focus on growing my career.’
Ellen Bradford, Content Marketing Manager
‘I’m inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman ever to serve in the US Congress. She is a politician and activist representing the New York Bronx and is famous for her actions and debates. She speaks fiercely yet quite controlled against the Congress members from the opposition, and is known for winning almost all the debates against members with many years of experience in politics.’
Cristina García, Business Analyst
Why do we need more women in business and leadership?
‘It’s been statistically proven that companies with gender diversity within the organisation have shown to increase profitability and productivity, generate high levels of creativity and innovation, and improve their ability to attract and retain important talent within the business.’
Hayley Franco, Head of Finance & Administration
‘Throughout history, women have played a major role in life alongside men, and they have also proven to be capable leaders in differning fields. It’s not about being in competition with men, but working together to support one another. Just like everything in life, it’s all about keeping a balance and seeing things from different perspectives in order to achieve the desired goals.’
Lara Herrera Saaddin, Business Analyst ‘Men and women tend to vary in their organisational and behavioural approaches. We need the full spectrum of skills and tactics to achieve scalable and flexible operations.’
Denitsa Angelova, Product Manager
What advice would you give to other women entering the business world?
No one is against you joining business and, if they are, just move forward because they are the ones who will be left behind by a society that is only going further in women’s business inclusion. Enter with your chin up.’
Cristina García, Business Analyst
‘Never let fear of failure keep you from taking chances.’
Hayley Franco, Head of Finance & Administration
‘Work hard. Stand your ground. Ask questions. Have values. Be honest, reliable and hard-working. Challenges and struggles are good, don’t shy away from them.’
Denitsa Angelova, Product Manager
‘Work on what you love and love what you do. Believe in yourself.’
Yessica Gonçalves, Business Analyst
‘Be yourself. You are unique and that is your strongest quality. You don’t need to act ‘like a man’ to make it, let your knowledge and experience speak for itself and people will listen.’
Ellen Bradford, Content Marketing Manager
How can men contribute more to women’s empowerment?
‘By treating us the same way they would treat any other colleague.’
Denitsa Angelova, Product Manager
‘By believing in and supporting women.’
Yessica Gonçalves, Business Analyst
‘By making space for women’s voices, acting as allies who understand the benefits of gender diversity and equality in the workplace, and challenging those who perpetuate patriarchal attitudes and norms.’
Hayley Franco, Head of Finance & Administration
‘By shedding the negative stigmas a part of society has against this empowerment and normalising the presence of women in the environment, and then by encouraging everyone else to do the same thing.’
Cristina García, Business Analyst
What’s your International Women’s Day message?
‘You can be an inspiration to others. Be your own role model first and then you can be one for others. And remember, you are the source of creation like our mother nature. So, keep spreading love and positivity around you and let your light shine.’
Lara Herrera Saaddin, Business Analyst
‘Follow your heart unconditionally regardless of gender, race, society, etc.’
Yessica Gonçalves, Business Analyst
‘Fear is ultimately what keeps us from doing the things we truly want to do. When we remove fear from our lives, we will find that the universe will put things into place and the right people and opportunities will land in our lap.’
Hayley Franco, Head of Finance & Administration
Our team at redk is full of influential women, and we’re proud to work with them and applaud their achievements. This March 8th, we hope you take the time to acknowledge a hardworking woman in your life. And if you are a woman, here at redk we celebrate you.
