08-03-2022
International Women’s Day (8th March) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme this year is “Break the Bias”, as the day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
To celebrate #IWD2022, some of the females on the team at Diamond Systems told us who their female role models are, and a little bit about their hopes for future female generations.
Q1 – Who are the female role models in your life & why?
Amy: It’s hard to pick just a few! I like to think that I’ve always managed to surround myself with great women who have been influential to me throughout my life. My mother is one of the smartest people I know and her perception is second to none, while my sister has talent radiating out of her! And between my two closest friends, they’ve shown me what it is to be caring, humorous and empathetic. One in particular has shown me what it is to have an unwavering confidence in herself, along with her sharpness, passion for life and drive. They (as well as many, many other women I’ve had the pleasure of knowing) have all helped to shape me into the woman that I am.
Angela: Like Amy, too many to mention! That’s the great thing about networking, you meet so many inspirational women in business from all walks of life. When I first started my career, as a trainee chartered accountant, there were a small number of females in management and leadership positions within the firm I worked for, but although few in number, they were great role models. My mum also inspired me when I was growing up, as she worked full time, along with raising two children, and helping my dad in the early days of setting up his business.
Emma: My female role model is my Mum. She has always taught me to be respectful, kind, patient. To have passion and believe in yourself. Also to have acceptance of others.
Julieann: My amazing Mum is my female role model. She has been my personal coach and number one supporter during every stage of life’s journey! She is selfless, has taught me many qualities in life including being honest, appreciative, taught me right from wrong and shown me that if you really want something you need to work hard for it! I admire her strength, having dealt with many obstacles and struggles in life – in my eyes she is the world’s strongest woman!
Q2 – If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give your teenage self?
Emma: I would tell my younger self not to worry too much, everything will work out in the end. Be kind to yourself. On a practical level, learn how to manage /save money.
Amy: I’d also tell myself not to worry so much! Don’t worry about what other people think, and don’t worry about situations that are out of your control. They’ll work themselves out and it’ll never be as bad as you think.
Julieann: Focus more on your education. Be patient, give yourself time to work it out! Take those opportunities with confidence, Don’t let your fear or self-doubt get in the way. Confidence is key! I’d also say listen to your parents and the wise people around you more. Above all, follow your dreams!
Angela: Yes, definately not to worry as much! But I would also say, if you can afford it and have the opportunity, do some travelling before you start your working life! Never again will you have the freedom and flexibility to travel for as long as you like. I think there are very useful life skills to be be gained from spending some time travelling, and it is something I wish I had done.
Q3 – International Women’s Day hopes to help shape the future for women. How do you think the future generation of women will differ from your own generation?
Amy: It’s hard to say or predict, but I hope the future generation of women to come will be able to feel completely equal to their male counterparts, proper pay parity across all job sectors and that there will be more women in positions of power to affect real change for the betterment of society… Surely not a big ask!
Emma: Being a mum to two young girls, I think the next generation of women will have more leadership roles. We will have more gender equality, more flexible working, and childcare duties will be more balanced between couples.
Julieann: I think females in today’s society have better opportunities to go far in life. Women today can accomplish anything, if they have the right mind set and work hard to succeed. For me feminism means equality, and that’s something I hope future generations will have.
Angela: The next generation are a force to be reckoned with! I see it in my own children and their friends. They have grown up seeing females in top positions, be it in school, politics, business – it is normal to them, as it should be, and always should have been. I have very few concerns for this future generation of females, my concern is, will the future generation of men be able to handle it!
Thanks to the Diamond ladies for sharing their thoughts this International Women’s Day 2022. One thing’s for sure, they all love their mums!
