Whatever you want, whatever you need Anything you want done baby, I'll do it naturally 'Cause I'm every woman
It's all in me,
Anytime you feel danger or fear…I will appear,
I ain't braggin', 'cause I'm the one Just ask me, and it shall be done And don't bother to compare I've got it, I've got it,
I love the lyrics to this, one of my favorite songs, because it celebrates female empowerment. Its shows confidence, achievement, accomplishment, individually. If I could only sprinkle a little of this attitude, this self-assurance, into the world, it would be an amazing place.
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” ― Michelle Obama
In this #NRG ‘Year of Greatness’, I feel it’s even more important to be celebrating International Women’s Day. We’ve come a long way over the last century; here are just some of the achievements…
From getting the vote in 1918, to our first female Prime Minister in 1979.
In 1921, Marie Stopes opened the UK’s first birth control clinic. In 1961 the contraceptive pill became available through the NHS
In 1951, Rosalind Franklin became notable for her work on X-ray diffraction images of DNA which would eventually lead to the discovery of the DNA double helix.
In 1982, Josephine Reynolds became the UK’s first female firefighter.
In 1991, Helen Sharman became the first British Astronaut.
In 2007, Clare Smyth became the first female chef to run (and later retain) a restaurant with three Michelin Stars.
In 2015, Queens Elizabeth became the longest reigning monarch.
In 2017 Cressida Dick was appointed as the first female Met Police Commissioner, whilst Right Reverend Sarah Mullally was the first female Bishop of London.
In 2018, Sarah Clarke became the first female Black Rod in the 650 years of the role.
Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time, having sold over two billion copies of her books. (I love her books!)
(I could go on, more astonishing firsts for women can be found here.)
“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” ― Melinda Gates
Like many of you I’m joining the various #IWD celebrations of female achievement.
Monday evening I’m going to hear Professor Laura McAllister CBE, FRSE, FLSW, in conversation with Felicity Evans, journalist and broadcaster at Eversheds Sutherlands.
This is a Cardiff Business Club event.
Tuesday, I’m heading to FinTech Wales to hear a panel for female leaders in tech talk with Sarah Williams-Gardener, CEO. They include Julie-Ann Haines, CEO, Principality Building Society, Rowan Whittington, Head of Product, Confused.com, Ella Hastings, COO / CMO, Wagonex, Elise Lockyer, Chief People Officer, Sonovate.
I’m also speaking myself on Tuesday evening at the International Centre for Protocol & Diplomacy with the Hon. Patricia Kenneth Divine and Joy Ogeh Hutfield. You can book a place at the event here.
Finally, the day itself, Wednesday, I’m going to lunch at the Classroom (CAVA) to hear Bethan Baldwin, highly motivated coach and trainer focused on encouraging people to take control and achieve their potential. A Pride of Britain award winner for 2015 (Fundraising in Wales) and campaigner for Type 1 Diabetes awareness in children with Diabetes UK/Cymru.
“Women have always been the strong ones of the world.” ― Coco Chanel
Let’s be honest, I don’t need a special day to remind me of how amazing my fellow female colleagues are. I work with some truly inspirational women. From Caitlin in my team, to my associates and business partner Katie. To the incredibly accomplished angel investors in Women Angels of Wales (WAW) Group I’m involved with to the brilliant female leaders in the businesses, I work with. I’m privileged to have some many coaches and mentors my network; and even more lucky to often call you, my friends.
I want to say Thank You for being you. Thank You for pushing on. Thank You for making a difference now and in the future. It is our example that will pave the way for future generations.
From the #IWD website:
"Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity."
Come on! Let’s celebrate women from all back grounds this Wednesday. Here is some top music to dance round your kitchen to…The first and third are my favs.
Man! I Feel Like A Woman by Shania Twain
**Flawless by Beyoncé ft.
Stronger by Britney Spears.
Independent Women, Pt. 1 by Destiny's Child
Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves by Aretha Franklin and Eurythmics.
Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys. ...
Q.U.E.E.N. by Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu
Spotify also have a playlist for this year.