Skills Gap
International Women’s Day – A Celebration Beyond the Calendar
Annually in March, Women's History Month shines a spotlight on the achievements of women in various areas – socially, economically, culturally, and politically. A pivotal moment within this month is International Women's Day on the 8th of March.
Annually in March, Women's History Month shines a spotlight on the achievements of women in various areas – socially, economically, culturally, and politically. A pivotal moment within this month is International Women's Day on the 8th of March.
Personally, International Women’s Day holds deeper significance than being just a date on the calendar. I feel that it’s an opportunity to contemplate and honour the outstanding contributions women make to workplaces, not only at Trend but globally.
I believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but integral elements in developing a thriving workplace. Diversity transcends moral obligation; it's about establishing a workspace where everyone, irrespective of gender, race, background, or any other factor, has an equal opportunity for success based on merit and potential.
My personal journey attests to the impact of this ethos, as I pushed myself from a young age, working hard towards my goals. The turning point came when I embraced the challenge of motherhood while maintaining a full-time job. Balancing these responsibilities compelled me to develop organisational and discipline skills in ways I had not previously encountered.
My children, my greatest achievement, serve as living proof that witnessing successful women in tech can inspire young girls to pursue careers in the field. My eldest, now working for Trend UK’s partner, Softcat, highlighting the empowering ripple effect.
At Trend we take pride in our female leadership, acknowledging that the journey towards inclusivity is ongoing. Leading by example, embracing diverse experiences, and instituting resonant initiatives are essential. Clearly defining diversity goals, fostering open dialogue, and measuring progress constitute key components. We are committed to mentorship and networking schemes, recognizing that the reduction of unconscious bias demands continuous effort.
While there is no magical solution for improving gender diversity and diversity in general in an organisation, our initiatives must come from a genuine desire for change, rather than being a box-ticking exercise. Let’s continue to work on making our workplaces in tech more inclusive, supportive, and inspiring for everyone.