International Women's Day - Sunday March 8th

Sunday 8th March is International Women’s Day – a day to celebrate the achievements that women have accomplished throughout the years and also to re-assess where gender equality still poses an issue around the world. This year’s theme is #MakeItHappen, “encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women.”

I have been so lucky in my life (both personal and professional) to have been surrounded by strong, inspiring and passionate women leaders.

My Working Life – I found myself drawn into companies and small businesses that are owned, run and managed by awesome women entrepreneurs. This was never on my ‘Job Search Checklist’ however, I have felt the excitement, passion and commitment that comes from working so hard for something that you believe in and I am drawn to being a part of that journey.

My Own Business – Seeing first hand how powerful and inspirational women in business can be has even encouraged me to take the step of starting my own business venture, Claire Street Cookies.

Carly & her mum Helen
Carly & her mum Helen

My Family – My mother is one of seven sisters (and two brothers) and my childhood has been shaped by the unwavering knowledge that we can all be whatever we want to be regardless of our gender. The women in my extended family have careers as published authors, specialist nurses, teachers, editors, musicians and lawyers, just to name a few. Not to mention being loving mums and aunties to the ever-expanding crowd of nieces, nephews and cousins. We were encouraged and supported from the beginning to follow our passions in life and to know and truly understand that ‘what we want to be when we grow up’ should never be a question with limitations, restrictions or a predetermined answer.

My Support & My Thanks

I offer my support to the women around the world that have not been as unbelievably lucky as me. Those who do not have the support to follow their dreams, or even to live their day-to-day lives. I also offer my overwhelming gratitude to the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, cousins, colleagues, bosses and friends that I know and have known. All of their collective support, advice, love and empowerment have made me so proud of all that I have achieved and all that I know can still be (and will be) achieved.

It truly does take everyone to make gender equality happen.

Think globally, act locally, #MakeItHappen

#womensday #IWD2015 #IWD

 

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