International Women’s Day 2022 – what the day means to us

The 8^th March marks an important date in the calendar: International Women’s Day (IWD). The day is a chance to celebrate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women and highlight the ongoing issues of gender inequality.

 

This year’s theme is #BreaktheBias. Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias can make it difficult for women to move ahead.

 

To mark IWD some of the female-team at Technoprint have expressed their views on what the day means to them and who inspires them to be the women that they are today. Carry on reading for some seriously inspiring insight from the team.

Kicking us off is operations manager Jacqui Morris who is part of the Technoprint senior leadership

team, overseeing the operation process at Technoprint. She says: “I think it is a great day to reflect on how far society has come in bridging the gender divide and also to take pride in the achievements of us women! I brought my son up as a single mum and was still able to achieve my career dreams; this would not have been possible in the past.”

 

Jacqui has been inspired by Jane Austin and her books. She continues: “I couldn’t let the day pass without mentioning Jane Austin! I love reading and her books are a favourite of mine and I respect so much how she broke the mould in writing about women in the way we actually are as opposed to how society expected us to be.”

 

Company secretary Carolyn Ryan runs the business’s accounts. Carolyn, who finds her inspiration from both her mum and daughter, said: “To me, International Women’s Day is about honouring the power of all women.”

 

“International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate all women around the world from all walks of life that make a contribution to society and to acknowledge the progress we are making towards gender equality,” says Technoprint sales administrator Samantha Noden.

Samantha is inspired by many women, especially those who juggle family life with a career.

 

 

 

 

 

Sasitorn “Tap” Kennedy works as a production technician for Technoprint and says that the day is “a great day to reflect that it’s now recognised that women are just as capable as men.” Tap runs the folding machines and is aware that the work that she does is male dominated. Her mum and her manager Jacqui are where Tap finds inspiration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Polish national Anna Zaremba, the day has a special meaning. The PA and HR administrator said: “In Poland the 8^th of March was an obligatory holiday during the communist era.

 

This was to draw attention to female presence in public life. The typical gift for Polish women was a carnation flower. Now, although it isn’t a national holiday in the UK, it’s a fun tradition and of course flowers or treats are more than welcome!”

 

Anna is particularly inspired by women with positive attitudes and energies.

 

 

 

 

Last but by no means least, for studio co-ordinator Toni Webster, the day means a lot. “Working in a male dominant industry it is important to show others, especially young women and girls, that just be

cause it’s male dominant, it doesn’t mean it isn’t a worthy career for women.

 

“My mum is a huge inspiration to me; she is always by my side no matter where my career has taken me and always helps me see clearly. Almost every woman I have had the pleasure to work alongside in my career has been very inspirational to me.”

 

 

 

 

Finally, they offered advice to girls and young women about to start out in their careers:

Carolyn: “Do something you love doing, it’s not about the money, you’re in a job for a long time.”

 

Jacqui: “Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve. If you put the effort in there are always opportunities available to you and it is no longer a case of having to choose between being a mother or a career woman.”

 

Samantha: “Do a job you enjoy and that will make you happy, do not let bad days get you down we all have them. Be willing to push yourself and try new things even if it is out of your comfort zone it will benefit you in the long run. Work hard for what you want in life and the rewards will follow. Make new connections whenever possible. Have a good work life balance and never be afraid to ask for help.”

 

Sasitorn: “Keep learning and try your best. If you push yourself hard enough, you will get to where you want to be.”

 

Anna: “Do the job you want and like, be persistent in striving to the goal, but don’t forget about the right work-life balance, your priorities, your physical and mental health, your job should make you feel happy and fulfilled.“

 

Toni: “I would advise young women to aspire to do anything, don’t feel restricted with your career options and go for what you feel most passionate about, you will feel most satisfied and happy overall.”

 

Happy International Women’s Day! If you’d like to get in touch with any of the team, click here.