International Women’s Day 2023 #EmbraceEquity

The aim of the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about ‘Why equal opportunities aren’t enough‘. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. 

Janet Dubidat Nehemiah’s Company Secretary and Head of Governance takes us through what International Women’s Day means for her.

“In October 2021 I was awarded the Association of Jamaican Nationals Local Hero award in honour of Nanny of the Maroons.  At the time I reflected on it as being very symbolic of the fact that I was the only senior female at my organisation and Nanny was the only female hero of Jamaica (6 males and 1 female).

“I think on International Women’s Day we all reflect on what we could do to make a difference and although we have achieved a lot since the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1909 there is still an awful lot more we ALL need to do.

“The Black Women in Leadership Network undertook a survey in 2022 and the report that followed that survey said.

“Black women in the corporate world in the U.K. are uniquely faced with being at the intersection of gender and race inequality.”

“The extensive survey revealed:

• 4 in 10 Black Women do not believe they are offered the same career advancement opportunities as their non-black female colleagues
• Almost Half believe they will be overlooked for promotion
• 2 in 3 Black Women reported experiencing racial bias at work
• The Black Women surveyed believe that racial bias contributes to the earning disparity

“You can read the full results of the survey here https://bwilnetwork.org/

“Let’s talk about these findings amongst our colleagues, friends and relatives and start to impact change.

“Importantly, having conversations like that and on International Women’s Day helps us to recognise the contribution women make to our society.  For Nehemiah that is women like Mary Seacole who we named Seacole Court our Young Person’s Scheme after. Mary Seacole was the British Jamaican nurse and business woman who set up the British Hotel behind the lines of the Crimean War from 1853 to 1856.

“In remembering and talking about people like Mary Seacole it is important though that we also think about the women who work every day and don’t have that public profile. These are the people I feel and hope you will agree, we should be celebrating today.

“Each day working in a housing association we come across women who are achieving amazing things on a daily basis. Some go to work, some are in education, some stay at home, some are carers whether for children or their elders, some face discrimination, some face homelessness, some are lonely, some are ill, some face domestic abuse, but all find that inner strength to do the very best they can. We should celebrate them all.

“I want to be part of a society that cares about all people, celebrates all achievements, challenges inequality, and changes things for the better. I see women every day doing this and working towards a more inclusive, fair and positive society.

“Let’s pay tribute to all women – today on International Women’s day and every day and start talking about ‘Why equal opportunities aren’t enough.’

“Tell us your story about an amazing woman you know – we would love to feature them in the next issue of our Tenants Newsletter ‘Under One Roof’. Email our Customer Engagement Officer Marcia Cunnison marcia.cunnison@nehemiah.co.uk . Thank you.”