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International Women’s Day 2024
Happy International Women’s Day 2024!
We are delighted to celebrate #IWD2024 at Peppermint HQ this year. We have always been a strong advocate of women in events and strongly believe in equality and diversity in the work place. With ‘People’ as one of our key pillars, we focus on growing the talent in our team and promoting within, and are proud to showcase gender equality across all hierachys of roles in Peppermint.
This years theme for is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. To inspire inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond. The theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.
To celebrate diveristy and empowerment in aid of this years theme, we have asked a few of our Peppermint team members on the importance of International Women’s Day to them.
Ziggy Gilsenan, Managing Director at Equals Agency
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
Marilyn Monroe once said, "Well-behaved women seldom make history", so here marks a day to celebrate women in business who are fearless, take chances, and who tenaciously and passionately follow their ambitions.
Sas Stewart, Head of Concessions
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman?
Absolutely – I used to be a promoter about 15 years ago and would always contact the bands I booked using Sas (not Sasha), all communication was great and then when the bands turned up and met me they were absolutely shocked that I was female and knew about backline etc and could actually organise gigs in London on my own, the times are definitely changing for the better and there are a lot more women in management roles now.
What message do you think is important to young women who are thinking about their careers in the Events industry?
Get as much hands on experience as you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions as this is how you will learn so much in a short space of time, get your hands dirty and work across as many areas as possible as it will help you understand what you enjoy the most. There are some fantastic groups on Facebook such as Shadow Me Women https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShadowMeWomen/ and NOWIE (network of women in events) https://www.facebook.com/groups/nowie/ which are supportive groups for women working in events.
Grace Shorten, Project & Staffing Executive
Which women inspire you the most?
As cliche as it is, my mums always been a huge inspiration to me. She is powerful and fearless and confidently goes after what she wants in life whilst remaining calm and kind to those around her. She taught me to never be afraid to take a leap, to trust in myself and the decisions I make, and that failing does not equal failure.
What message do you think is important to young women who are thinking about their careers in the Events industry?
Do not be afraid to get muddy! I love being in the field now but when I first graduated I was so intimidated by how male dominated site crews appear to be from the outside and I stuck to more office based roles where I felt 'safer', but it is getting better out there and there are so many incredible women and non-binary people in the field too. Don't let any stereotypes deter you from the career you want.
Claudia Dignum, Finance Business Partner
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
To me, International women’s day for about celebrating all the amazing women in my life that I am in awe of every day, from smashing their careers to becoming mothers, buying houses, and venturing across the world to fulfil their dreams.
Amy Bradley - Cloak, Finance Controller
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
Celebrating girl power! After becoming a mum 2 years ago it has made me realise even more how incredible women are. We don’t stop, we are strong, resilient, and absolute bosses at doing anything we set our mind to!
What do you think is the biggest issue women in Events/business are facing today?
Juggling a career and having a family. This country doesn’t support mothers who want to go back to work after having a baby. The price of childcare and inflexible working are just a couple of reasons mothers cannot afford to go back to work after maternity leave. A significant portion of the workforce can no longer contribute to the economy even if they wanted to. I feel very lucky that I was able to come back to a job I love with great support but I know that isn’t the case for a lot of women. The skills you acquire as a mother would be an absolute win for any business: ability to tackle stressful situations, problem solving skills and great at prioritisation and time management!
Liz Ramirez, Payroll and Admin Executive
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
IWD is more than a celebration of being a woman, it’s a day to a acknowledge the privileges we, as women, enjoy today because of the hard work and bravery of those who came before us. IWD serves as a time for reflection while also reminding us of the ongoing need to continue working for equality and safety for all women around the world. Happy IWD, it is a day to think of how we all can contribute to a better world for the next generations and celebrate the amazing women in our lives!
