International Women’s Day 2024 is celebrated on Friday 8th March, and this year’s theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. The day aims to inspire everyone to understand and value women’s inclusion – so that we can achieve gender equity and forge a better world.
When did International Women’s Day begin?
IWD has occurred for over a century, spearheaded by the German activist Clara Zetkin. The first IWD gathering was held in 1911, supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively, everywhere.
How is International Women’s Day celebrated?
IWD 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.
At Spectrum, we are celebrating women’s achievements, and sharing our own thoughts on women who inspire us – in the workplace and beyond. Here is a contribution from our own Chief Executive, Dr Linda Harris OBE:
Today is a reminder that inclusion is not just about inviting women to the table; it is about actively ensuring their voices are heard, respected, and valued. It is important we join together as women to continue to inspire and uplift one another, and that we speak to that golden thread running through Spectrum around celebrating diversity and protecting the most vulnerable in our society. As Malala Yousafzai once said : “I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.”
My inspirations:
- My mother – of course.
- Mary Seacole – the pioneering Black-British nurse born in 1805 who was one of the first to recognise and practice modern nursing.
- Edith Cavell – a WW1 nurse who was executed for saving front line soldiers. When I was a student, I passed her statue at the London Hospital every day.
- Clare Gerada – former president of RCGP who taught me all I know about substance misuse education and training, as well as the importance of utilising every drop of government investment.
- My daughter – feisty, feminist and lifts a mean weight!
Click below to read about our staff and the inspirational women that have impacted their lives, as well as celebrating the achievements of our female staff – both inside and outside of work.