Rix & Kay reflections on International Women’s Day 2024

Rix & Kay reflections on IWD24

International Women’s Day is over for another year. We invited our professionals to share their thoughts on what International Women’s Day means to them, who has inspired inclusion throughout their careers, and what can be done to keep inspiring inclusion throughout the years to come.

Lynn Marlow (Employment Paralegal)

On International Women’s Day, I like to acknowledge all women, in whatever country around the world, who are not fortunate enough to enjoy the many freedoms and privileges that so many of us in the UK take for granted. Let us celebrate our independence and ability to make our own choices while remembering, today and every day, those in this country and worldwide who do not enjoy these freedoms.

Those who do not have the right to receive an education; to work outside the home, to declare and celebrate their sexuality; to dress as they please; to choose their life partner, of whatever gender and/or sexuality; to drive a car or travel alone; to choose their own career path, or have a career at all; to earn their own money and have a say in their own life choices; to have a seat at the table in corporate or political spheres; whose voice is unheard.

I would like to celebrate the work of Dr Jalikatu Mustapha who graduated from the University of Nairobi and trained as an ophthalmologist with Sightsavers. Dr Jalikatu is the only female ophthalmologist in Sierra Leone and was recently appointed its Deputy Health Minister. While working to improve general health care throughout the country, she champions women’s eye care and better access to eye health services. Traditionally, it has been harder for women than men to access eye health services in Sierra Leone. By targeting women more with health campaigns and offering free outreach services for women and girls, Dr Jalikatu is encouraging them to go to hospital for screening and/or surgery or treatment, if this is required. Dr Jalikatu became manager of Sierra Leone’s national eyecare programme in 2020 and, in recognition of her work, received an Eye Health Hero award from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).

Jenny Reardon (Head of GatekeeperHR)

My career in HR started over 35 years ago when I was interviewed by the General Manager and Operations Manager – both female – of a major milk processing company. As my career developed they supported me financially and practically to undertake a Postgraduate Diploma in HR and gave me the opportunity to be involved with both the operational and strategic aspects of the business. Fast forward to 2024 and having maintained a professional and personal relationship for over three decades with the Operations Manager, who is now the Vice President of a multi-billion-dollar business in Melbourne, I can reflect on how inspirational she has been throughout my career, providing advice and guidance and demonstrating that the ‘glass ceiling’ for women can be shattered with determination, resilience and self-belief.

Antonia Wright (Post-Completions Assistant)

There are so many women who inspire me on a daily basis, it’s difficult to choose but my children, both girls, 16 and 17 years old inspire me every day.

Their strength and tenacity in dealing with the world each day is inspiring.  How things have changed since I was their age.  The opportunities they have now are so wide reaching and will enable them to fly with their chosen careers.  They know for sure that their identity as women will not stop them achieving their goals and I cannot wait to see them thrive as adults.

What’s next?

To round off our celebrations of International Women’s Day, Angela Arnold, our Residential Property Partner, is joining the discussion panel at Herstory III. Join Angela and other talented women for Herstory III.