March 8th marks International Women’s Day; a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality.
We are proud to have a team full of talented and inspiring women leading South Coast Social, with Managing Director Clare Groombridge Founding the company in 2015. While IWD means many things to many people, we discussed what it means to the team at SCS.
Clare Groombridge – Managing Director
“As one of my all time heroines (Dolly Parton) said – “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
This International Women’s Day, I’m proud to have founded a company that now has an all female senior team, and to work with an amazing crew who agree with me that equality is something to strive for across all areas of life. We’re also proud to work with a wide range of incredible female led businesses, both as partners and clients and seeing their determination and vision drives me forward every day in my own goals. It’s not a level playing field yet, but it will be. “
Amy Squires – Head of New Business
“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women all across the world! It brings together women from all backgrounds and is so important in the continual fight for women’s rights! Working in a female led business, and with a female senior team, I’m so happy we have a day to celebrate it! *Though every day should be International Women’s Day.”
Christina King – Head of Social Strategy
“Of course, International Women’s Day is all about celebrating the amazing achievements of women all over the world. From sporting heroes to scientists changing the way we live, there are some truly incredible stories out there. However, we must also use it as an opportunity to address the other side of female success – the struggle, the bias and the stereotyping. Conversations like these are often avoided in order to minimise awkwardness – this year’s theme of #ChooseToChallenge will hopefully give women and men alike the confidence to do this and change things for the better.”
Emma Jones – Social Media Manager
“International Women’s Day is a chance to reflect on the opportunity we all have to work towards our goals in life, whether that’s personal or within your career.
There’s a quote from Reese Witherspoon that says “What would happen if we encouraged all women to be a little more ambitious? I think the world would change.” That excites me; push that ambition even a little more than you would dare and see what happens. That is what I encourage the women around me to do. You’re never too old, too inexperienced or too female to work towards your goals.”
Alice Curtis – Social Media Manager
“International Women’s Day is SO important – It is a chance for us to recognise and celebrate the amazing women around the world, whilst taking the opportunity to learn about existing gender inequality. There’s still a lot of work to be done to ensure that women are represented in all parts of society and I hope International Women’s Day can help us reflect on that and empower women, together. When women support each other, incredible things happen!”
Holly Brooker – Junior Social Media Manager
“To me, International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate all of the wonderful achievements successful women around the world have accomplished. Despite many issues and setbacks in various industries, there are so many women out there inspiring others to fight to achieve what they dream of. A clear example of this is Whitney Wolfe Herd, who recently became the youngest female CEO to take a company public. I see International Women’s Day as a day to lift people up and push them to believe in all they are able to be.”
Rich Lown – Marketing Manager
“I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by many strong, independent and inspiring women growing up and I continue to be inspired by the team at South Coast Social every day. As the only male in the company, I feel International Women’s Day is such a valuable opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women but to also examine the gender gaps in our community. I feel like a lot of men don’t get involved as much as they should and don’t take the time to think through what IWD means for the women in our lives. I believe men have the responsibility to talk to each other about feminism and to reflect; to understand its principles and to learn collectively. Happy International Women’s Day!
