8 March 2018

International women's day

International Women’s Day: We #PressforProgress

Now, more than ever, there's a strong call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity. There's a strong call to #PressforProgress motivating and uniting friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive.

That’s the mission of International Women’s Day, an annual recognition of powerful women and a celebration of the progress we have made towards equality.

Estate Manager, Edward Benyon explained: “It’s one day in the year when we can celebrate the amazing progress we have made in the equality of the sexes over the last 30 years, whilst recognising the amount still to do.”

So today, we’re proud to be showing our support for women across the globe. And of course, closer to home here in Hackney and De Beauvoir Town. There are far too many influential women to mention them all, but we’d like to celebrate:

Meg Hillier, our MP, (Labour & Co-op) Hackney South & Shoreditch, who is passionate about bringing about change in our communities and making a difference to the lives of many.

Headteacher of Hackney New Primary School, Mrs Campbell, whose leadership input led her last school to be rated OFSTED ‘Outstanding’ and who is inspiring the next generation.

Rev. Julia Porter-Pryce, vicar at our local church St Peter’s De Beauvoir, regularly inspiring and uplifting members of our community.

And of course, we’d also like to recognise the businesswomen, female entrepreneurs, female CEOs, community champions, working mothers, stay-at-home mothers, grandmothers, aunts and sisters and the men who are supporting them. “Individually, we're one drop but together we're an ocean.”

International Women's Day for me is a chance to celebrate the hard work of fierce women of the past, who fought for the rights we have now.

With seven women in our 12-strong office team at the Benyon Estate headquarters, International Women’s Day has prompted a passionate response:

“International Women's Day for me is a chance to celebrate the hard work of fierce women of the past, who fought for the rights we have now. And to remember that today, more than ever, is time to stay motivated and #PressforProgress” - Nikola Bakosova, Digital Presence Manager.

“International women’s day means a chance to reflect upon how far our culture has evolved since my mother and grandmothers were young. How hopeful I feel for my children’s generation, son and daughters, who are just beginning to carve their places in the adult world and how fortunate we are to live in a society that allows us to continue the conversation protected by justice and peace” – Jennifer Benyon, Head of Landscaping.

“For me, it’s a day to celebrate the brave, strong women throughout history who have fought for equal rights, which has enabled me to live the life I do” – Emily Hyman, Office Administrator / Lettings Assistant.

“Women's contribution to society and life has always been unquestionable and unwavering. The fact that it is now recognised internationally will hopefully improve the rights that we have to align with the level that we contribute” – Sheanay Humes, Maintenance Administrator.

Show your support for International Women’s Day by committing to a "gender parity mindset" via progressive action and #PressforProgress