International Women’s Day at St Christopher’s Hospice

We spoke to several women who work at the hospice and asked for their thoughts on the day.

To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, we spoke to several women who work at the hospice and asked for their thoughts on the day and this year’s theme, which is Embrace Equity.

What’s your International Women’s Day message?

Michelle King, Psychosocial Team Lead: Let’s celebrate women and girls from around the world, from those who shoulder caring for children and adults to those who are abused, oppressed and discriminated against.  Women and girls are no lesser a human than their peers; they are strong, powerful and courageous. All women and girls have the right to respect, equality and inclusion. They deserve to live free from harm and as autonomous beings.

Bernie Moloney, Ward Administrator: Believe in yourself, you have the power to change things.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

MK: “International women’s day means raising awareness to the ongoing abuse and inequality towards women and girls all over the world. It brings opportunity for people to stand up, act and initiate change. 

BM: If everyone is able to access what they need, they have the power within themselves to use these things to achieve anything.

What does the theme of Embrace Equity mean to you?

MK: For all women and girls to live free from gender related abuse, poverty and disadvantage and for this to be recognised and acted upon in all educational and workplace communities across the world.

BM: My favourite quote is from Susan K Gardner of Oregon State University who said: ‘Equality is giving everyone a shoe. Equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits.’

Jenny-Lynn Taylor, Senior Marketing Manager: Equity is not giving everyone the exact same thing, it’s giving everyone what they need to be successful… because everyone’s needs are not the same. To truly be inclusive, we have to educate and challenge ourselves to understand the difference between equality and equity and then to embrace equitable practices. 

What progress have you seen on gender equity in your life and work?

MK: Unfortunately, in palliative care we continue to see a high proportion of women and girls assuming the role of carer for their relatives, sometimes multi-generational too. This means education and career opportunities are hindered and social inclusion becomes almost non-existent. It is so common, people appear to just accept this as the norm. With the health and social care system in crisis, the impact of this is likely to have an adverse effect on women and girls mental health, so inequality continues. Nonetheless, we as a society are becoming more aware of the need for supportive services in work and educational facilities.