Jo Caley, Audit Trainee
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“It’s about acknowledging that there is still a lot of inequity within the world when it comes to gender and highlighting this to encourage discussions and solutions.”
Which women are you inspired by in your community?
“My mum, my sister, my friends. I try to find inspiration in all the women I meet, and uplift other women when given the opportunity.”
What needs to be done in accountancy to create a better gender balance?
“Give women a seat at the table, and ensure they have a say in making decisions. Eliminate unconscious bias when it comes to attitudes and judgements about women in the business world. More women in decision making positions and positions of power will lead to more inclusive workplaces and more women joining firms and being promoted.”
Why do you support women’s empowerment and gender equality?
“Because gender inequality negatively impacts everybody.”
Paul Watkins, HR Manager
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“For me, the day is about raising awareness and fostering an environment where people challenge and speak up about any biases they encounter as a result of their gender. Whether that’s to break down stereotypes about what a woman should be, to celebrate the important women in your own life or to raise awareness about women’s equality.
“The hope is that by starting this discussion and taking action, we can all bring about positive change for women.”
Which women are you inspired by in your community?
“I’m inspired by all the women in my life. In particular, having grown up with a working mum in a single-parent household, I have seen the challenges she faced and the sacrifices she had to make to balance work and being a parent to support my brother and I.
“Reflecting on my experience of working in the financial services sector, I was delighted that Alison Rose had been appointed as the first woman to lead the NatWest Group and any lender for that matter in 2019. I’d hope that appointments like this will continue to break down the barriers in the world and lead to a more inclusive workplace where talent is rewarded irrespective of any unconscious bias or outdated attitudes.”
What needs to be done in accountancy to create a better gender balance?
“Having worked in the financial sector for a number of years, I do think there’s a need to address the imbalance on male-dominated boards so that women are afforded the same opportunities and can influence decision-making at a higher level to ensure there is a full representation of any issues they are facing.
“At DSG, I’m pleased that we have a number of women in senior positions, but there is always more that we can do and I am keen to foster an environment where all views are heard.”
Why do you support women’s empowerment and gender equality?
“I support gender equality because I feel it will foster a more inclusive world, where every woman can live the life she wants without being affected by bias, outdated attitudes and stereotypical gendered norms. The only way to do this is through having conversations and challenging inequity to bring about positive change.”
Mollie O’Dowd, Finance Assistant
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“International Women’s Day for me is a day to highlight the injustices that women face around the world. Although there have been improvements in many parts of the world there is still a long way to go in a lot of areas and it is positive to have a day that highlights this.”
Which women are you inspired by in your community?
“I have recently been inspired by a few women in Liverpool I know who at the beginning of the COVID pandemic were not able to work in their usual capacity due to restrictions and now have set up or adapted their own businesses, all of which are doing really well.”
Why do you support women’s empowerment and gender equality?
“I support women’s empowerment and gender equality as I don’t believe that it is beneficial for society to try and exclude women and girls. Everyone deserves to be represented and have their voice heard at all levels.”