Celebrating International Women's Day

Why we must #InspireInclusion every day

Anja Gooding has recently been appointed chair at Vitax and talks about why we should #InspireInclusion and champion the achievements of women every day.

“We all want to live in a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, one that is diverse, gender balanced and inspires inclusion.

“Since 1911, when over one million people supported the first International Women’s Day, we have seen a shift in mindset and multiple women inspiring future generations, but we cannot do this alone.

“I am a firm believer in teamwork, championing talent and celebrating women’s achievements every day. Since taking over as Vitax’s first female chair, I have looked at how we can be more inclusive and drive gender parity. Like everything, it is work in progress, but it is progressing.

“We already challenge stereotypes and I’m proud that we have strong female representation on our board right through to our production, operational and sales teams.

“There are many people in our business who inspire me, but this International Women’s Day I wanted to give a special mention to two incredible women - Colette Finch who works in our head office and Sue Stevenson, lead-volunteer at the Secret Garden project at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester.

“Women can inspire in different ways. Colette, who has been with Vitax for many years and is an indomitable force within the sales team, is supportive, knowledgeable and a natural leader. Past and present colleagues who started their careers at Vitax have thrived under Colette’s guidance, many of which will no doubt become future leaders.

“Whilst I have known Colette for a long time, I have met Sue only once, such is the impact that she had on me. 

“Visiting the Secret Garden project recently to witness first-hand the work of the volunteers, I was completely bowled over that having first become involved in the Garden through her work in the hospital charity, Sue felt so passionately about the project that when her role changed, she decided to leave her job and setup the volunteer programme.

“Sue’s passion and kindness shines through and the tranquility of the Secret Garden has a positive impact on those that use it every day. 

“This year, I attended the Royal Warrant Holders Association’s International Women’s Day event looking for inspiration and it didn’t disappoint.

“I have never felt so supported within business and it was great to speak with women who are driving change.

“Hosted by Veuve Clicquot, it was not just about the champagne, but the great history of women and the inspirational Barbe Clicquot, who at 27 took over the company at a time when women could not even own their own bank account, let alone run a company.

“Barbe went on to create the first vintage champagne and later the first known blended rose champagne, and the rest they say is history.

“As International Women’s Day states, it is not about any one organisation, group or country, it belongs to everyone, everywhere.

“For me, it is a time to reflect, see how far we have come, the positive changes we have seen and collectively celebrating women’s achievements. Above all, how I will inspire inclusion and take others along with me.”

#InspireInclusion #IWD24