Celebrating Women in industry,
International Women's Day, celebrated each year on March 8th, is a day honouring the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. International Women's Day has been marked for well over a century, with the first March 8 International Women's Day gathering supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Today, International Women's Day belongs to all women and is acknowledged around the world and belongs to all communities everywhere - governments, companies, charities, educational institutions, networks, associations, the media and more. Whether through a global conference, community gathering, classroom lesson or dinner table conversation, everyone can play a purposeful part in pressing for gender equality. International Women’s day are celebrating the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women to date. We hope you’ll celebrate and support us to further enhance the role of women and girls around the world.
Here at Leap29, we’ve caught up with Sarah, Lucy, Jess and Andrea to understand their thoughts on International Women’s Day and what the day means to them...
Jess,
What interested you about working in recruitment?
The reason I starting working in recruitment was for the diversity in the role and helping people find the job they have always wanted…. Oh yes and for the earning potential
The reason I starting working in recruitment was for the diversity in the role and helping people find the job they have always wanted…. Oh yes and for the earning potential
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It's a celebration for all the women in the world. A celebration for our success and how far we have come when we gather together and remember our fight
Which women are you inspired by?
All of the women in my family- My grandmothers, aunts and my mom have taught me so much about what it means to be a woman in the world, whether that’s as a mother, a sister, a friend … they were my first examples, and I learn from them every day.
What’s your advice or message for women on International Women’s day?
Keep fighting our fight, be brave, strong and beautiful always :)
Sarah,
What interested you about working within the recruitment industry?
The sector – law – challenging and interesting and the high earning potential as a graduate with good working hours
Which women are you inspired by?
Serena Williams
Reni eddo-lodge - author who discusses racism in sexism
Do you think diversity is important within the workplace?
Yes. Diversity is vital to equality. Also to spend time with people who are unlike you in different ways is much more interesting.
How do you define career success?
When you’re in a career that you’re happy with.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in recruitment?
Do a lot of research about the company you are applying to. Practice speaking to people in uncomfortable situations.
Lucy,
What interested you about working in recruitment?
I focus on the Hong Kong legal market at Leap29 and have always enjoyed learning about cultures and speaking to people from different countries. International recruitment offers the chance to do both.
Which women are you inspired by?
I don’t have any particular female role models but I think it’s important for younger generations to look up to women who work in sectors that have a historic male focus, such as law or engineering, to make sure they can reach their full potential.
Do you think diversity is important within the workplace?
Yes – It is important to have a range of viewpoints in workplaces to make sure it’s an inclusive, welcoming place to work. Taking on board different viewpoints also means the company can offer a better service to clients or candidates.
Why do you think campaigns, such as ‘International Women’s Day’ are important for businesses to recognise?
From a UK point of view there is still inequality visible in some sectors so it’s important to recognise the work that’s being done to reduce this.
Andrea,
What interested you about working in recruitment?
I started my career working in a small HR department assisting in all aspects of HR, it soon became clear that I had a much greater passion for hiring people and assisting stakeholders with their resourcing needs, this led me to my current role at Leap29 as Talent Acquisition Manager, sourcing the best talent for an ambitious and fast growing company.
As a woman working in recruitment, do you have any role models that you look up to – either inside or outside your field?
I have been lucky enough to work with so many inspirational, hardworking and dedicated women, my biggest role model would have to be my mum, not only does she have a successful career but she’s the world’s best mum and granny at the same time #supergran!
What does International Woman's Day mean to you?
I think of International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate successful women, diversity, inclusion, female empowerment and raising awareness in the importance to continuing to drive for gender parity and equality.
Which women are you inspired by?
There are so many inspirational women to mention, I recently bought my daughter a book about great women who changed the world with stories from Marie Curie, CoCo Chanel, Amelia Earhart, Emmeline Pankhurst, Mary Anning and loads more but the values all of these women had in common were passion, belief, hard work and dedication.
Do you think diversity is important within the workplace?
We all have different strengths, skills, backgrounds and experiences and diversity in the workplace can combine these to the advantage of the company. It is good to have various opinions and perspectives, a diverse workforce can unite to create a much stronger and productive workforce.
Why do you think campaigns, such as ‘International Women’s Day’ are important for businesses to recognise?
I think it helps raise awareness, an opportunity to reflect on positive changes over the years for gender equality and to celebrate successful businesses and the women behind helping to drive that success!
How do you define career success?
I don’t think you hit a peak where you finally say you’re as successful as you want to be in your career, I think a successful career is one where you still feel passionate about what you do and challenged in your role and hungry for further success
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in recruitment?
I’d say this is a career where you can achieve progression and rewards based solely on your merit and performance, there is no gender bias, as long as you are driven, ambitious and hardworking there can be no limits to your career in recruitment!
What’s your advice or message for women on International Women’s day?
Keep up the good work ladies! #girlpower!
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