Unity Mutual celebrates #InternationalWomensDay

Published 6th March 2019 - On March 8 Unity Mutual will be helping celebrate International Women's Day to help forge a more gender-balanced world #BalanceforBetter

 

International Women's Day (March 8) is 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.

International Women's Day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action - whatever that looks like globally or at a local level. But one thing is for sure, International Women's Day has been occurring for well over a century - and continue's to grow from strength to strength.

To help celebrate #InternationalWomensDay, we caught up with our CEO, Jane Nelson, to discuss achievement and equality.

UM: What does International Woman's Day mean to you?

JN: A day to celebrate women and what they achieve around the world.

UM: Do you think that being a woman made it harder to reach the top?

JN: To a small degree yes – I have managed it but there have been instances over the years where it has been more difficult.

UM: Have you had to make sacrifices and were they worth it?

JN: I feel I have sacrificed some time with my family over the years  especially when my boys were younger – in hindsight I would have tried to get a better work life balance in those years, and even now.

UM: What advice would you give to any strong independent women hoping to start out in business? 

JN: It’s about doing what you want to do and being passionate about it - it’s about your ability not your gender.

UM: What was one of hardest obstacles you’ve had to overcome in business?

JN: Staying calm in adversity!  Biting my tongue.

UM: What are the biggest issues facing women in business today?

JN: The world is changing but for me being a woman in business it’s about my ability and drive to do what I do – not just because I am a woman.  I think that’s important.

UM: How do you define career success?

JN: Doing something you love, are passionate about and enjoying it.

UM: What taboos related to the theme of women do you wish were broken?

JN: That women need to succeed because they are women!  They should succeed based on ability not gender.

UM: What is your greatest achievement?

JN: There are 4 – my boys now grown up, personally achieving the highest score in the UK when I did the IoD Diploma, being nominated for Cheshire Woman of the year and being CEO of the best friendly society in the UK.

UM: What is the most important piece of advice that you have been given?

JN: Difficult to answer this one to be honest – other than stay true to myself and my principles.

UM: What are you doing to ensure gender equality is applied to our organisation?

JN: Nothing specific to be honest – we have always had a policy of employing the right person for the job and paying accordingly, irrespective of gender.

UM: How does it feel being a role model within Unity Mutual and The Oddfellows?

JN: I’m proud to be the leader of such a great organisation with such a great team behind, not only at our offices in Manchester and Liverpool, but also our Branches.

 

#IWD2019 #BalanceforBetter