The 8th of March 2020 marks the celebration of International Women’s Day. The global event is a chance to honour women and inspire those around us, as well as the next generation.
The theme of this year is ‘I am generation equality: realizing women’s rights.’ It’s a chance to bring people together of every gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion and country, to drive actions that will create the gender-equal world we deserve.
During the week following IWD, we wanted to continue to celebrate the women of PrimeLife, both staff and residents, by speaking to them and understanding what the day meant to them.
Ana Piazza is a senior care assistant at Fir Close House
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“Supporting all women as individuals.”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“Being a great team and support all.”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“Never be afraid to speak out.”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“Age differences between staff.”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“I am a mother to a 9-year-old boy and a breadwinner.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“No.”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“Believe in yourself. Always be kind.”
Gloria is the Quality Matters Administrator at PrimeLife
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“What women have achieved over the last 100 years, but there is still room for improvements, including seeing more women in business or as MDs.”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“I love the people at Head Office; from day 1 I felt like I belonged, and I call them my work family. I love them all ? and believe it or not I LOVE MY JOB too!”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“Ask questions; knowledge is power so keep learning. Don’t be shy.”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“Work, life balance, especially if they are looking after someone, have children or have health issues.”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“I was my dad’s full-time carer for the last 20 months of his life it was challenging but he was my dad and I loved him, but doing that when I had to start looking for work, I knew what I wanted to do and I became a carer in a care home for two years and got my L2 in Health and Social Care. I had to give this role up due to a foot problem.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“I think in general yes; it’s society that has done this, although it will probably be different in 50 years.”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“Be happy, life is too short.”
Melanie Mulliss is the acting manager for Seacroft Court
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“It is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and successes.”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“Working for PrimeLife is something I feel very proud of, as I feel that the company promotes autonomy for their staff and their homes. This gives us the confidence to make unique changes to the way we work to benefit our staff and residents.”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“Always strive to do your best. Look after your practice and do not relinquish your integrity. Speak the truth with diplomacy and always stand true to what is right!”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“I feel we live in an age where our gender is no longer a barrier. In the care industry there still sees to be a culture where men are in the top positions but if you work hard and prove yourself, there is no limit of what you can attain.”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“My 2-year-old son has an undiagnosed gastric condition which means he is fed by a tube into his bowel. Due to his complex health needs, my husband gave up his career in occupational therapy to enable me to stay on my own career path. Being the breadwinner is a challenge as my wage sustains the entire family. However, the team I am lucky to be a part of, understand my drive to succeed with my family, and are hugely supportive of my role”.
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“There is a stereotype within management, with staff assuming you will take on an autocratic style of managing. However, as a leader, my role is to support people and improve care every day. This is through support, education and communication. There are definite stereotypes still present, which suggest you have to be a steely woman to manage a team. I strongly disagree with this, as I know from experience of -being managed by others during my career, that focusing on managing and not leading, can alienate a team.”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“I would like to share that even when you have other issues and concerns in your life, that having a focus on your work can really help to alleviate stress. Always share the load and do not take too much on yourself.”
Janice is a resident at Brockshill Woodlands
Age: 80
What inspired you growing up and why?
“My mum inspired me because she always gave me advice when I was younger which helped a lot when I became a mum.”
What advice would you give to a younger generation of women?
“Always be happy.”
Lauren Tupin is a care assistant from Seacroft Court
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“Equal rights being given to women and to celebrate all that women do and achieve and boosting others with confidence”.
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“Putting 100% into my job, for the residents’ best interest first and ensuring they have all they need in place”.
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“Dreams can be achieved. Push yourself to be the best version you can be. Do as many applications you can and enjoy your job”.
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“Men still believing they are more superior than us. Some men do not take us seriously in our job role”.
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“I am a breadwinner in my relationship as I am bringing in more money than my partner”.
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“Yes, a lot of people believe that women should stay at home and look after children, whilst men go out to work”.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“Women are able to work and look after/ provide for their families; it does not have to be one or the other. Women should get more recognition for equal rights”.
Amelia Campbell is the Payroll Administrator for PrimeLife
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“International Women’s Day is a celebration of the achievements of women, past and present but also a reminder that we must continue to strive for equality.”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“I am fortunate enough to work with a group of intelligent, strong, funny women.”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“Stand up for yourself. Listen to your gut. Be kind to others, but don’t forget to be kind to yourself. We are all different, your choices are valid. Never be afraid to ask for help, we all have to start somewhere. Be happy for the success of others – “Blowing out someone else’s candle won’t make yours shine brighter”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“I am a mum to a 9-year-old boy.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“Being a Mum is an important role, but there is always going to be pressure, mainly from yourself, to feel like you are fulfilling the role of “perfect” mother (whatever that is!) The temptation to compare yourself to others can feel overwhelming. Ultimately, we are all different, our children are all different and there is no ‘one size fits all’ parenting model, we need to stop giving ourselves a hard time!”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
Annette is a resident at Brockshill Woodlands
Age: 59
What inspired you growing up and why?
“My mum inspired me because she was always kind and caring to others especially with her work, she inspired me to become a nurse.”
What advice would you give to a younger generation of women?
“To do your best and never stop chasing your dreams.”
Kirsty is the Workforce Development Office Manager
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“We get to celebrate all the strong women in our lives and all our amazing achievements”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“I have worked for Prime Life for almost 8 years. I have had the opportunity to progress and I have learned so much. I think we have a great team who are all supportive of each other & I have made some wonderful friends.”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“Work hard and be kind. You will make mistakes, but you can learn from them.”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“My biggest challenge is being a full-time working mum with a 3-year-old daughter. Although prime life has really supported me, I still have really bad mum-guilt on a daily basis”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“I am a mum, partner, daughter, sister, aunt and friend and I’m the breadwinner at home.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“No, I don’t there is anymore.”
Rosie Clarke is the Recruitment Manager for PrimeLife
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“I feel that International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing achievements of women in a respectful way, to challenge gender stereotypes in society.”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“Working for Prime Life is a real privilege, as you are able to make valuable contributions in your role that will in turn make a real difference for our residents.”Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“I would advise any young woman to always believe in themselves and never doubt their abilities, particularly when striving for promotions and entering into leadership roles at work.”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“I think a big issue facing women in the workplace today is the misconception of female leaders being perceived as bossy in their roles, where male leaders could be seen as being direct and assertive for the same leadership behaviors demonstrated. I feel that there is still some way to go in challenging gender stereotypes within the workplace in society.”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“I do not fit into the typical gender-stereotyped roles within society, as I do not have children and live by myself. I would class myself as a breadwinner as I am of course responsible for paying bills, and on occasion I am an informal carer for my elderly relatives, as and when required.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“As a Manager, I could easily be negatively stereotyped as a woman for displaying leadership qualities within my role. I do feel however that the team at Prime Life are forward-thinking and as many of our Managers and Leaders are female, that the company has taken positive measures to overcome these stereotypes.”
Angela Smith is a care assistant at Charnwood Oaks
“Charnwood Oaks is proud of Angela Smith who works 12-hour shifts, looks after and fundraises for the homeless.
Angela raised £400 for our residents’ garden project!
In her spare time, she also fit’s in her own family.
Our Angela is an incredible, selfless woman. Everyone needs an Angela, (but not ours!) in their life.”
Joanna is a resident at Brockshill Woodlands
Age: 60
What inspired you growing up and why?
“My mum inspired me because she taught me the right things and guided me to do the right things always.”
What advice would you give to a younger generation of women?
“Always be kind. Don’t rush into things as you create your own happiness.”
Thembelihle Fikile Ntshingila (Fiki) is the manager of Middlefield House
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“Means a lot; as a woman who came to the country in 2003, despite having never travelled abroad before, I gained the courage to do so. 99% of people I have met so far are good people who have made this experience easier than I thought.”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“This is a big company, and for me to have this journey to be a part of it is massive. This company have helped to improve my skills academically and professionally, by believing in me as well as helping and supporting me throughout. I don’t remember a time where I have asked for support and haven’t received it from Head Office.”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“Don’t be scared to make your voice heard for the good reasons.”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“Maybe discrimination, but I haven’t faced this issue with PrimeLife, so come and join us!”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“A proud working mother and partner.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“I don’t think so.”
Vicki Shaw is the Workforce Development Director at PrimeLife
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“It is a recognition of the importance of the contribution of women in the world. It is a day to celebrate our strength, our difference and to demonstrate to our daughters and other women that they can achieve whatever they set their mind to!”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“It means an extended family – people that do actually care about you and others. The sense of purpose you get when you know that you have made a difference to residents lives (however small) is immense.”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“I would say – learn to love yourself, remember that no-one is perfect and do not believe what you see in magazines and on social media! In the workplace, try your best, believe in your abilities and never be afraid to speak up if you see something that is not right.”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“GUILT! Competing priorities between raising children and being in work. Legislation is in place to protect women and to enable return to work however it does not resolve the issue that women still try to do everything and end up feeling dissatisfied or guilty.”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“I am proud to be a Mumma, Nana, Friend & Work colleague. Sometimes I am the Taxi Driver, Gardener, Cook and Housekeeper but I am lucky that I have someone to share these roles with. I am in awe of those women that have to fulfil all those roles themselves.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“I have the title of Director which traditionally may have conjured up the image of being a male, however the male/female split within Prime Life is quite balanced, so I do not feel that we have a stereotype here.”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“I am extremely proud to be a woman as I feel we are strong when we need to be but perceptive enough to use our other skills of empathy, nurturing and caring when it is required. Basically we are ACE!”
Doreen is a resident at Brockshill Woodlands
Age: 80
Who inspired you growing up and why?
“My mum inspired me even when she was poorly, and I was caring for herm she showed strength and was always there to listen to me when I needed her.”
What advice would you give to a younger generation of women?
“Always be kind to others.”
Shelan Hill, a care assistant at Seacroft Court, who enjoys her job.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“It means a lot to me as it means that each and evert woman around the world is important and should be treated equally”.
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“My job in PrimeLife is very important to me, as it is something I enjoy and I get to be a big part of other people’s lives, and it is something I am qualified to do”.
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“Stay strong and follow your dreams; just because we are women doesn’t mean we have to be treated differently. When working in the world, find out your legal rights as a woman within the workplace”.
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“One main issue facing women in some workplaces, is that they are underestimated. For example, some people think women cannot do a man’s job (lifting fixing cars and equipment etc.)
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“I am not a mother; however, I am a daughter, a sister and soon-to-be wife. I also take care of my family in the best way I can, and I also take care of my dad when needed and help maintain a household”.
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“As a daughter; it isn’t a job for a daughter but sadly at the age of 14 I lost my mum and therefore I became the woman of the household e.g. sometimes cooking meals, shopping and cleaning. I wouldn’t change it for the world, and I love the life I live and my family”.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“Everyone is equal in their own unique way. Everyone should also have their uniqueness taken into consideration. Be happy and dream big, work hard and live a healthy happy lifestyle”.
Cherelle Hazel is the Workforce Development Administrator at PrimeLife
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“The celebration of women and raising the awareness of equality. It is also a day to remember the women who fought for equal rights.”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“I love working for PrimeLife, it is like a work family. Even though I have only been with the company since August 2019 I feel like I have been here a lot longer as everyone within the company has been welcoming and supportive if I ever need any help.”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“Anything is possible, if you have a dream then go for it! You can do anything you want to do and achieve anything you want to do if you put the work in.”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“It would definitely be work life balance. If you want to have children and a career it is still a struggle to be able to do both at the same time and it is something I feel will be an issue for me if I did decide to have a family.”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“Sister, daughter, and part of the PrimeLife Family.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“No.”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“It is great that PrimeLife are celebrating International Women’s day and helping to raise awareness of the struggles that women still face to this day.”
Jean is a resident at Brockshill Woodlands
Age: 98
What inspired you growing up and why?
“Auntie Linda and Vera, my sister, because they looked after me when growing up.”
What advice would you give to a younger generation of women?
“Go to work. Be kind and gentle to other people.”
Blaize Jones-White is a Quality Matters Advisor at PrimeLife
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“International Women’s day is a chance to celebrate how strong we are, how independent we can be, and how far we have come. Breaking the stigma that a woman needs to lean on a man to succeed by proving we are just as capable as a man, if not more. It’s about empowering each other and being a team.”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“Primelife is a family. Not just my colleagues at the office, but all of the homes I visit, the staff, the residents, they are a family. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy my job, getting to visit all of these little families and be a part of them for a day; a catch up, a cuppa (1 sugar, no milk ?) a laugh or ten are staples in my day and it’s one of the most rewarding and empowering things.”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“There is honestly so much I want to share, and so much I wish someone had told me years ago. I guess the main things would be, Always dance like no one is watching. A Smile is contagious. Love yourself. Be selfish; don’t be scared to put yourself first. Find the good in people, and hold onto it, everyone has some. DON’T be afraid to boost yourself up, celebrate the small achievements as well as the big. If you don’t celebrate them, who will? Find gratitude in everyday no matter how small. DON’T be afraid to cry or to let people see you cry. DON’T be afraid to ask for help. And finally, one I have recently come to realise, Stop making excuses for just being yourself!!!”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“For me personally, it’s trying to juggle the family-work balance. As a single mum, I have the added pressure of making sure that I’m available for my daughter as well as being professionally present. I’m a mum first and foremost and my daughter is everything, but I went back to work when she was 7 months old as government help wasn’t enough , Childcare took the biggest chunk of my wage probably close to 70% went on childcare, I was essentially Working to pay for it. Women are expected to work like they don’t have children and raise children as if they don’t have work.
Then as well as the added pressure from the government to get back into work, Women are hit with the ever-pressing MUM GUILT!!! I struggled going back to work because my daughter was so young, I felt like I was abandoning her to let others raise her so I could work, and I felt like I was being judged for doing so. Of course, this was in my head mostly, I’d see pictures of friends taking their kids on days out and to soft play and I was at work, GUILT. But then a conversation with a mum friend one weekend revealed that she really wished she could go back to work, but childcare is expensive, so it made me realise there is no answer, no correct procedure, and until we address the childcare issue, and ‘working mum’ stigma, we are always going to have a problem.”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“I’m both a Human mum and a cat mum, a daughter, sister, Friend, colleague. I’m a Teacher, Confidant, Cook, Cleaner, Reader, Frozen’s Anna (occasionally Elsa when I’m allowed to be), world Famous Shower singer. I’m a writer, a coin master, a personal shopper, a smile on a rainy day and the person who doesn’t mind if you laugh at me when I trip (which is all the time). I’m pretty much anything anyone needs me to be and that’s fine with me.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“I don’t think there are any stereotypes with my specific role, our team is very evenly split.”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“Women are far stronger than we realise, we are resilient, and we are empathetic. We are methodical and we are perceptive. We are beautiful, all of us, inside and out and we are stronger as one.”
Chloe Alexander is a Recruitment Advisor at PrimeLife
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“It is a celebration of strong women and how far women have come in society.”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“Prime Life are the most supportive company I have ever worked for. The teamwork is admirable, and it is fantastic to see successful women in high places within the company.”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“One of my favorite sayings at the minute is ‘in a world where you can be anything, be kind’
I would say that hard work always pays off and If you see someone without a smile give them one of yours.”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“Women who want to have a family but also a career, childcare can be very expensive that this makes it hard for women to return to the job they were doing before becoming a mother.”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“Wife to be, Dog Mum, Friend, Aunty, Sister, Daughter and in my spare time Women’s footballer.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“I don’t think there are any stereotypes linked to my job some may think it is a dead-end job which it isn’t.
There are a lot of stereotypes around women in football. I choose to break them.”
Phillipa is a resident at Brockshill Woodlands
Age: 96
What inspired you growing and why?
“My friend Frieda from the bowls club, because she was clever.”
What advice would you give to a younger generation of women?
“Always have a go at what you want to do.”
Emma Clark is the cook at Fir Close Care Centre
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“Celebrating all achievements and acceptance of us as women, as individuals standing strong, tall and together.”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“Being a great team to all; supporting and promoting great quality of care.”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“Never be afraid to speak up, make a difference if you can, then stand up and be proud!”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“I have not come across any issues facing women in my place of work. We are all capable to do many roles; no expectations to gender etc.”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“I am a mother, a wife; I work to contribute in my family home. I am a cook, a friend and a valid member of the team.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“No.”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“Believe in yourself.”
Kavita is the Social Media Administrator for PrimeLife
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“It is a day to inspire the next generation of women and honor the current and past generations. A way to acknowledge how far we have come to equal rights, and a way to see how far we still have to go.”
What does working for PrimeLife mean to you?
“Working for PrimeLife has allowed me to be a part of an amazing team. As part of the social media team, I was able to put this campaign together, and speak to so many women about their amazing stories and learn how they manage their responsibilities. The women I work with, are who I aspire to be as I progress in my career; being able to balance a personal life with a career I love. The team are welcoming and friendly, and always encourage you to be yourself!”
Is there any advice you want to pass along to young women?
“It’s ok to not know what you want to do. Take the time to try new things and figure out what it is that makes you smile the most, you don’t need to follow the path that everyone else is going down. Hard work will pay off, even if it takes a little longer than most.”
What do you think the biggest issue facing women in work today?
“I think the biggest issue, like many other people believe, is the balance of a working and personal life, especially to those with children. There is still an expectation or belief that women should have to sacrifice their careers or progression in their careers when it comes to raising a family.
It is still an issue and we do have a long way to go but we are seeing progress. I have seen the women around me defy this, and I see change daily to ensure women are given the same rights as men and vice versa in familial rights.”
Women take on many different roles in society. What are your roles?
“My roles include my profession, a daughter, sister, friend and work colleague.”
Do you think there are stereotypes linked to your role(s)?
“I don’t think there are stereotypes directly linked to my roles, but there are stereotypes linked to being a woman in general. There are stereotypes of how a woman of my age, ethnicity, personality should be and act, and I think they are ones I am trying to overcome.”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“Step out of your comfort zone, because it’s the only way you’ll be able to grow and learn more about yourself. For me travelling is a way to learn about new cultures and force myself to step out of my own comfort zone. As someone who is a shy introvert, it teaches me to try new things and meet new people.”
Thank you to everyone who got involved in with our International Women’s Day, we have loved being able to share your stories! Please do go and show your support on our social media pages!