For more than a century, celebrated every March 8th, International Women’s Day has brought attention to issues around gender equality, women’s abuse, reproductive rights - to name just a few - and this year the focus is #EmbraceEquity.
The message from IWD is ‘Equity isn’t just nice to have, it’s a must”, highlighting that while we must continue to fight for equality for all, we must also recognise equity - that we all start from different places in different circumstances, requiring us to take equitable action for greater inclusion of all.
This year, in recognition of IWD, we sat down with 3 of our very talented colleagues, Molly Sheridan, Christina Lyropoulou and Louise Goodwin and asked what IWD means to them, and how we can all help make the digital industry more inclusive.
What women inspired you growing up?
The women in my family have inspired me throughout my life and I owe my work ethic and outlook to them! They’ve paved the way for me to keep pushing to achieve my goals and I want to inspire others to do the same.
What achievement are you most proud of?
I’ve just bought my first house on my own – the years of saving and working additional hours have paid off and can’t wait to reap the rewards of having my own space – finally!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Pay more attention in Computing class!
All jokes aside, knowing your worth is so important. Not that I didn’t have confidence when I was younger, I felt out of my depth on many occasions. I wish I took it upon myself to back myself more, it goes a long way for your working life as well as your mental health.
What can we all do to achieve equality in the workplace?
A key element of equality is having a safe environment to do so and allowing those in the workplace to feel like they are being heard and their views respected. Unfortunately, some of the world's most well-known workplaces can be toxic so we need to normalise a welcoming environment for all.
How could we encourage more women to work in digital?
There’s still a certain type of stigma around working in digital. Some feel that digital is a very technical space, but there's so much more to it than that and how it is portrayed needs to change. By starting early and introducing the exciting opportunities that digital brings we, I hope, will encourage women to get involved in this forward thinking and rewarding industry. The digital world will continue to evolve and having more women will only make it a more powerful place!
What does IWD mean to you?
A chance for women to be recognised for all their achievements, goals and what they are capable of is a cause for celebration!
What women inspired you growing up?
I was overall impressed by Naomi Klein, economist amongst others, and highly respected by her male peers.
What achievement are you most proud of?
When I started my career, my goal was to ultimately end up in the tech industry and most specifically work in an agency. I was lucky to fulfil my goals within a few years.
What advice would you give your younger self?
All will turn out well!
What can we all do to achieve equality in the workplace?
Equal opportunities and equal pay - especially in the tech industry which is dominated by men.
How could we encourage more women to work in digital?
In Radiator we are a good example of equality in the workplace, having women working in development, in production and in digital marketing, and I think this is quite important and encouraging for other women who would like to join this industry.
What does IWD mean to you?
Apart from the professional aspect, this day determined the overall equality of women in society; so, for me it is deeper and has to do with all aspects of everyday life and all relationships.
What women inspired you growing up?
Of course, my mum. She has always inspired me with the kindness, understanding and patience she shows.
When I was younger, I looked up to Hayley Williams. I was around 11 or 12 when I first saw her perform live on TV and her confidence on stage really stuck with me. She opened my eyes to more amazing frontwomen in rock and inspired me to have my own style and not follow what everyone else was doing.
What achievement are you most proud of?
I'm proud of getting to where I am in my career and not allowing any obstacles stop me from continuing in the field.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I'd tell myself to have more self-belief. I'd doubt whether I could work in digital quite often, so I'd tell myself not to worry so much, everything works out!
A big thanks to Molly, Christina and Louise for taking the time to sit with us, and from everyone here at Radiator - happy International Women’s Day!
Posted by
Russell Paterson
SEO Specialist
