Celebrated on the 8th of March each year, International Women’s Day has been observed in some way from the early 1900s. Since its beginning, much has changed for women across the world, but discrimination and inequality still exist to this day.  

International Women’s Day (IWD) aims to recognise and highlight the social, economic and political achievements made by women across the world. This year at FareShare Midlands, we are celebrating the women working and volunteering across the teams; from the van drivers delivering food to charities across the Midlands, to the managers running our warehouses, to our CEO, Simone Connolly.  

With 40% of the FareShare Midlands staff team being women; we wanted to share their thoughts and opinions on being a woman in the workplace and what IWD means to them; 
 

What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about being a woman at work? 

• “Be resilient from early on in your career by learning how to control your emotions in a man’s world as Logistics and Distribution still is in 2023. Prove yourself capable of the role you are in by gaining respect from those who doubt you. Ignore the doubters (they do exist) be the best version of yourself but don’t try and fit into the box” Ruth Newbold
   
• “Be supportive of other women around you. Look out for women who maybe aren’t as confident as you are, and help if you can see they’re struggling. When I was younger, I was definitely one of the lads and as such, I probably didn’t encounter problems that others did. I wish I’d been more mindful of other women around me.” Stella Broster
   
• “Stand up for yourself and be more confident in your own ideas.” Alice Parkinson
   
• “When I was younger I was definitely in awe of the men in my workplace, but now I realise I am just as competent as them, and have just as much value as them. So I would tell my younger self to believe in herself more.” Yvonne Foody 
   
• “Don’t believe the imposter syndrome and speak up! Being young and being a woman does not mean your ideas and thoughts are not important.” Imogen Burns 
   
• “Early on in my career a (female) manager told me I didn’t get a promotion because, “If I walked into a room of external stakeholders they would think Bambi had walked in.” It absolutely crushed my confidence. I would tell my younger self two things; 
  1. Ignore that ridiculous comment! It is not about what you look like, or “appear” to be. You are intelligent, capable and have a lot to offer the world 
  2. Remember this moment, and how as a female in the workplace you will always have a role to support and empower fellow female colleagues, especially those early on in their career, to fulfil their potential and know how important their contributions are." Laura Spencer 
   
• “As soon as you start on your journey - don’t stop for anyone. Never look back.” Shaz Begum 

Why do you think International Women’s Day is important? (or why do you think it’s not important?) 

• “International Women’s Day is so important to give women a voice in terms of equality” Yvonne Foody 
   
• “I think it is really important to highlight how multi-skilled women are - as so many are working while also running a home.” Shaz Begum 
   
• “I think it’s more important than ever today, as we see abortion rights being rolled back in the US, and as women and girls are banned from attending schools and universities in Iran. It feels as if the world has recently taken a number of steps backwards. Hopefully, there will be less discrimination of any kind in the future. I certainly hope so, for everyone – and for the sake of my 2 daughters in particular.” Stella Broster 
   
• "To highlight the shocking inequalities that still exist in the world in 2023, and celebrate Women’s achievements across the world." Laura Spencer 

How important do you think it is to see women in leadership roles within the workplace? 

• “It is so important! I am so proud to work for FareShare Midlands - a charity which employs so many strong women and has a female CEO at its helm. It is staggering that in 2023, 96% of British companies have male CEOs.” Imogen Burns  

• “I think seeing women in leadership roles is imperative. I am lucky to work with strong, inspirational women who are knowledgeable and talented at what they do. I believe a successful organisation needs the input from all genders, races, cultures and ages” Alice Parkinson  

• “Extremely important! In my generation, I grew up in a male-dominated world and it’s amazing to see women coming to the forefront of business now.” Yvonne Foody  

• “Having women in leadership roles enables other women to come out of their shells and start fulfilling their potential in the workplace - so it is really important. I also strive to be a role model to my children for the importance of education and work.” Shaz Begum
   
• “It is crucial that we see strong women in leadership roles to balance the views and grow our businesses in the right way without prejudice” Ruth Newbold 
   
• “Absolutely vital. I have been fortunate to see women in very senior roles right from my very first job. I have also had the pleasure of working with a number of female leaders. It is essential that women have the power and opportunity to make real decisions in the workplace, and inspirational for younger women to see them succeed (and occasionally make mistakes!) in these roles.” Stella Broster 

Anything else you would like to say about IWD/ being a woman in the workplace. 

• “Be strong. Never give up. Follow your journey all the way to the top!” Shaz Begum  
   
• “Always stay humble and be you.” Ruth Newbold 
   
• “It would be lovely, one day, if there didn’t have to be an International Women’s Day. Until then, it’s great to have a day to celebrate successful women, the great changes that have happened to make working life better for women – and plan for an even brighter future.” Stella Broster 

-  Read how one of our Community Food Members is supporting local women 
-  Interested in volunteering? We have lots of opportunities across the Midlands 
-  Donate to FareShare Midlands today! Just £1 provides 4 meals.