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Why we need inspiring women on International Women’s Day
Posted by Claire Boote, on March 4, 2021.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
Every year on 8th March, while we celebrate amazing women for International Women’s Day, someone somewhere will say the same thing – “But women can have it all now…why do we still need International Women’s Day?”.
In the UK we’ve made great gains in women’s rights over the decades, but do you think gender equality has fully arrived? Do you think there’s no such thing as a gender pay gap or ‘glass ceiling’ for women? Do you agree that the portrayal of women in the public eye leaves a lot to be desired?
That is why we still need International Women’s Day. What started in New York in 1909 as a celebration of women, is now a day marked by millions around the world and a platform for women’s rights. A chance to fight for the things that still need changing, but also shine a light on the brilliant female role models that inspire us all.
Here at Royce, we think you’re all brilliant role models. You don’t have to have created ground-breaking art like Frida Kahlo. Or courageously sparked the civil rights movement like Rosa Parks. Or have pioneered scientific breakthroughs like Marie Curie.
All women can be inspirational
We believe that all women can be inspirational through their patience, kindness, bravery and good humour. And when the going gets tough, women show the world their strength, resilience and true grit. This past year has revealed some particularly inspirational women: the women home-schooling their children while holding down a job during lockdown; the women facing fertility treatment or difficult pregnancies during the pandemic; and the women dealing with breast cancer at a time when the NHS is cutting back on treatment.
“Every bra sold from 7th to 13th March we’ll donate £1 to Future Dreams”
To help women with breast cancer, we’re really proud, once again, to be collaborating with the charity Future Dreams. For every bra sold from 7th to 13th March we’ll donate £1 to Future Dreams to help them raise awareness and fund research into breast cancer, and support women through their breast cancer journey. You can read all about our ongoing work with Future Dreams here
And in honour of International Women’s Day, we’ve asked our friends at Future Dreams to share stories of their most inspirational women, from public figures to family.
Sam Moffat, Trustee
“The woman who has inspired me the most is my mother, Maureen Moffat. Singlehandedly, she brought up myself and my brother and also grew a business for 50 years in the male dominated construction industry. She never ceases to amaze me – she is powerful and smart, independent and responsible, emotionally intelligent and generous, wise and witty, free-spirited and forward thinking, bright and adventurous and, most importantly, unconditionally loving. At 86 she fills her life with literature, family, humour and current affairs while learning all the new tools to take her into the future and connect on all platforms with her grandchildren. She is the ultimate matriarch, role-model and mentor.”
Nicky Richmond, Chief Executive Officer
“I always smile when I think about Baroness Trumpington. She’s the one who put two fingers up in the House of Lords to an ageist fellow peer, when she was 89. She retired at 95. A socialite who worked at Bletchley Park cracking German codes, she became (amongst many other roles) the UK representative to the UN Commission on the status of women. Whilst I don’t share her politics, she was brave, uncomplaining, committed, hardworking and had a wicked sense of humour and never let her sex or her age hold her back.”
Jodi Meyerstone, PR & Brand
“There are so many women who inspire me but my grandma Barbara and cousin Tilly are two who always stand out. My cousin was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at 18 and tragically lost her life at 19. Throughout her illness, she helped to raise money and awareness and was always thinking and caring for others even when at her lowest. Her determination, passion, strength and courage continue to inspire me daily. My grandma is a huge inspiration and throughout her challenging life always had a smile on her face and was caring towards others. She was extremely charitable, kind and always took the time to listen to others while giving the perfect advice. She faced adversity in numerous ways yet always took time to help others whether it be cooking a meal for someone or volunteering whenever she was able to. Her hospitality, kindness and strength knew no bounds and I was extremely lucky to have her in my life for 36 years.”
Louise Court
“Doreen Lawrence OBE – mother of Stephen Lawrence who was brutally murdered aged just 19. She has tirelessly campaigned to make the legal system fairer for all, and has set up a charitable foundation in her son’s memory to support equal opportunities for young people. She is an inspiring, brave and dignified figure.”
