Celebrating International Women's Day

Why is International Women’s Day important to observe? International Women’s Day was created by the UN to encourage and celebrate women’s achievements globally. It also, and just as importantly, aims to raise awareness about the challenges many women still face in all aspects of their lives around equality at home, in education and in the workplace.

How can we encourage more women into leadership, and why does inclusive leadership matter? We know that a diverse and inclusive society is a more just and prosperous one, and that gender equality is integral to achieving that. Women are under-represented in all aspects of business leadership, including in the veterinary sector. It is widely acknowledged that women and male leaders bring different but equally important strengths to their roles, meaning a blend of different genders is more likely to create a strong and successful business framework. Women leaders have been shown be to better at connecting and relating to others, building better and longer lasting relationships - all of which are key qualities to be an effective leader. 

In a primarily female profession, why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in leadership roles? As President of the RCVS, I was delighted to lead a completely female RCVS officer team. The team was geographically and professionally diverse, and from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. That diversity brought a wide range of ideas, views and life experiences, which wasn really useful and allowed us, I hope, to appreciate the problems and challenges faced by the professions. 

What challenges have you had to overcome as a woman in leadership, and how have you tackled them? Like many women, I suffered from imposter syndrome for years, doubting my ability to take on a leadership role. I was helped, encouraged, supported and cajoled by friends and colleagues and, of course, family - especially my husband - to put myself forward. I have always found having the humbleness to ask for help is critically important. Struggling and failing only reinforces self-doubt but I have been surprised on numerous occasions that important, often influential, people in leadership roles have generously given help and advice when asked, which has been invaluable. 

What is your advice to other women in leadership or those considering leadership roles? When you consider a leadership role, it's easy to only look at the negatives of a position. Only thinking about which criteria of the skill-set you don’t satisfy. What experience you don’t have. Many women doubt their own abilities to such an extent that it can end up holding them back because they find it difficult to accept their own accomplishments and, as a result, never achieve their full potential. However, while talent, hard work and dedication are important attributes in any job, I firmly believe all great leaders have a growth mindset. The desire to listen and learn, the ability to consider and, if appropriate, accept the opinions of others is crucial to becoming an effective leader. Great leadership rarely happens overnight - it is something that develops and grows over a period. So it’s important to put away the self-doubt and put yourself forward.

Why is it important to observe International Women’s Day? International Women's Day holds deep significance for me as a woman from a traditionally marginalised community in the UK. It's a day when we honour and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. This day shines a light on the strides society has made toward gender equality, and recognises the invaluable contributions women have made and continue to make in our communities and society. 

How can we inspire more women to step into leadership roles, and why is inclusive leadership vital to the future of the veterinary profession? Inclusive leadership in our veterinary sector profoundly affects my participation and success as a woman. It's not just about fairness and equality; it's an essential component for propelling our profession forward, driving growth, innovation, and effectiveness in animal welfare and public service. Seeing other women excel in veterinary roles instills in me a sense of belonging and potential, motivating me to pursue similar paths. Through inclusive practices, I can not only find role models and mentors who provide invaluable guidance but also act as one myself. 

In a primarily female profession, why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in leadership roles? Historically, we know there have been gender disparities within the veterinary profession, such as wage gaps and a lack of women in leadership positions. Encouraging inclusive leadership is vital in tackling these inequalities by ensuring women have equal opportunities to thrive and progress in their careers. I strongly believe that accurate representation in our profession should include leadership roles that reflect the female demographic of veterinary professionals. This sends a strong message to our community and the wider public. 

What challenges have you had to overcome as a woman in leadership, and how have you tackled them? Black women and those from ethnic minorities in leadership roles in the veterinary context must navigate a complex landscape of systemic barriers, biases, and stereotypes on a daily basis. It is just a fact. 

As a woman, you face implicit bias and stereotypes in the workplace, which hinder your individual advancement opportunities and result in little recognition for your skills and contributions. This bias can manifest in hiring decisions, performance evaluations, and opportunities for career advancement. This bias is also compounded by a unique experience of intersectional discrimination and challenges associated with this. Intersectional discrimination can result in barriers to career progression, unequal treatment in the workplace, and limited access to resources and opportunities. It is a real problem. I have tackled these specific challenges by showing my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession, as well as providing support, mentorship, and opportunities for women from marginalised communities to ensure that they thrive and succeed in leadership positions. 

What is your advice to other women in leadership or those considering leadership roles? I encourage you to actively seek opportunities for growth and development. Take on challenging projects, seek out mentors and sponsors, and continuously expand your skills and knowledge. Additionally, focus on building a strong network of colleagues, mentors, and professionals who can support you in your leadership journey. Cultivating these relationships can provide invaluable opportunities for learning, mentorship, and career advancement. Remember, by embracing opportunities for growth and surrounding yourself with a supportive network, you can confidently step into leadership positions and make a meaningful impact in your field. Any woman who is in a leadership position wants to hear from you.