International Women’s Day Q&A

This year’s theme to ‘Embrace Equity’ is at the forefront of our mission. We believe in supporting harmony and flexibility between work, personal and family life, and encourage people to “Be Yourself” at Fibrus.

Here is what International Women’s Day means to some of our inspiring people …

Rachel Lightburn – Lead specialist, People & Culture

• What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

IWD is a day to celebrate the progress we’ve made, and to celebrate every woman in your life.

• What is something you’re passionate about?

I’ve worked in People & Culture for nearly 10 years and I’m passionate about setting an inclusive culture for my colleagues.

• Finally, name a woman who inspires you?

I honestly couldn’t name just one! My family, friends, colleagues; I am inspired by them all, for so many different reasons.

Jennifer Taylor – Marketing Campaign Specialist

• What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It’s a day to celebrate all the superhero women out there, working, raising, nourishing and inspiring the next generation.

• What is your passion?

I run and organise my own pageant called Shining Light, which aims to take the stigma out of pageants and help raise awareness and funding for Mental Health.

• Finally, name a woman who inspires you? 

It’s all of my finalists in my pageant who have taken part in the last 3 years, who felt they didn’t fit the incorrect stereotypes of a pageant entrant.

Kayan Videau – Head of Sales and Prospect Management

• What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

This day not only celebrates women all over the world but continues to highlight the disparity between genders.

• What is your passion?

I am raising my daughter to be strong, independent and confident, to stand up for herself and continue to challenge the status quo in all walks of life.

• Finally, name a woman who inspires you?

My mother inspires me to be a better person, she was always a woman way ahead of her time, celebrating women and our differences.

Lynn Johnson – Head of BDUK Projects

• What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a chance to lift my head up from the everyday norms to look around and really appreciate and celebrate the achievements of women.

• What is something you are passionate about?

Education and the impact that education can have. Access to a free, high quality and diverse educational experiences is fundamental in addressing inequalities and challenging societal norms.

• Finally, name a woman who inspires you?

Sophia Jex-Blake. She applied to study medicine at Edinburgh University in 1869 and was denied because she was a woman. She later went on to focus on developing key health services for women, by women. Shows what ‘just one’ women can achieve.

Claire McAllister – People and Culture Specialist

• What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Encouraging woman to work together, speak up and stand proud.

• What is something you are passionate about?

Being able to advocate for people to empower them to be the best they can be – externally I am OBSESSED with my dogs 😂

• Finally, name a woman who inspires you?

Every woman and ally who are unapologetically themselves, who empower woman and lift them up, encouraging them to be proud and stand strong should be an inspiration to us all.

Sarah Thompson – Programme Manager

• What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a day to bring forward awareness and movements which can contribute positively to the quality of women’s lives around the world.

• What is something your passionate about?

Being a team player and kind to others are both things I try to be and reflect in my actions.

• Finally, name a woman who inspires you?

I take inspiration from women around me who have a lot of determination, courage and empathy.  I admire women like Dame Jessica Ennis- the retired Olympian who has achieved so much in her career, raised a family, and been humble and charitable throughout.

Eimear McVeigh – Commercial Business Partner

• What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Celebrating the often unsung strength of women.

• What is something you are passionate about?

I’m searching always for the balance between raising 4 young boys, giving my all in work whilst finding some “me-time” to stay mentally and physically healthy.

• Finally, name a woman who inspires you?

Probably my mum – she’s the rock of our family and always seeks a solution, no matter how daunting a problem may seem.