March 8th is International Women’s Day – a global event to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias and take action for gender equality around the world.
The theme for this year’s event is #Balanceforbetter – forging a more gender-balanced world for the benefit of all. At Prestige – this is something we’re really passionate about. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we asked a selection of our team members in Hull about what the event means to them, and their impressions of the challenges facing women in their careers.
Magdalena Czerwinska – Training and Contract Coordinator
What does International Women’s Day Mean to you?
It’s proof that women can be powerful when they stand together. It goes beyond a single date in the calendar – it’s about sending the message that women need to be understood and respected all year round. Men might not like to admit it very often, but the world would be very boring without us!
What challenges do you feel women face when it comes to employment?
It’s about respect and recognition. Many industries and organisations are still overwhelmingly male-dominated – and this often means women have to work harder and achieve more than their male counterparts to receive the same rewards and advancement.
It’s particularly problematic for young women. No matter how successful they are, they often struggle to have their voices heard and to gain the respect they deserve, especially from the older generation.
What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?
Work hard, and surround yourself with positive and ambitious people. Take opportunities and challenges as a chance to improve, and don’t be afraid to fail!
Aleksandra Cartlidge – Resource Department Manager
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It’s a day when we can come together and recognise all women for their achievements and success without and divisions – whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It’ also a day when we can all celebrate our femininity.
What challenges do you feel women face when it comes to employment?
Women still have to ‘prove’ they are capable of achieving the same targets, goals and results as their male counterparts – with men, ability is often taken for granted.
In many places, there is still a glass ceiling that women are simply not permitted to break through, no matter how good they are. The positive news is that we are making progress, and every year things are getting better. It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure we keep moving in the right direction.
What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?
Follow your heart and don’t be so serious:).
Prestige – committed to gender equality
At Prestige, we believe strongly in equality.
We are proud to be a truly inclusive recruitment company – and are committed to providing fair and equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, age, identity, background, or belief.
This doesn’t just apply within our organisation – we uphold the same principles in the delivery of our recruitment service. Come to us as a candidate, and we will guarantee you are treated fairly and equally at every step of the process, during recruitment and after we’ve found you an opportunity within a client organisation.
Our team is constantly looking to ensure that all our clients share and embody these values – in terms of their internal recruitment policies, working practices and opportunities for advancement within the organisation.
Quality recruitment support from Prestige
Additional information about the way we work, our industry accreditations, awards and association memberships can be found at https://www.prestige-recruitment.com/about-us.
Alternatively, for more about how we can help your organisation source the right talent your business needs, or with help finding your next opportunity – please get in touch with your local office today.