Today for International Women’s Day, our team reflected on the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Did you know that 81% of 11-18 year olds cannot name a single female entrepreneur?

Talent is equally distributed, but the opportunity to thrive isn't. Whilst we acknowledge how far we have come, there is further we still can, and need, to go.

“Every woman I know can name a unique challenge they’ve faced because of their gender. For example, many women are forced to choose between a fulfilling career and raising children or wind up trying to do both and living with the guilt that neither is given enough attention. Other women may have had to work double as hard as men to move up the corporate ladder in their industry. It’s time we faced some of these challenges head-on and discussed meaningful solutions to bring more equal opportunity for females to thrive”

- Andria Prada, Brand Director at Mission Ventures

At Mission Ventures, we are proud to work alongside inspirational women daily on a mission to level the playing field. We asked them to share their stories with us on “Why it’s important to celebrate Women’s day?" and advice they would like to share with women reading.

Karen Robinson - Founder of Three Robins

Before starting Three Robins I worked for many years to support women’s rights and gender equality in conflict-affected countries around the world. International Women’s Day was always an important day for us where we could recognise achievements and all the progress made, but also call attention to what still remained to be done – I see it as a day where there is a global call to action to protect and uphold women’s rights in all spheres of life, although ideally we of course wouldn’t need a day for everyone to remember that!

Believe in yourself. No matter how big or small your dreams and ambitions, no one can take away the belief you have in yourself. There will always be obstacles and challenges and reasons to give up, but if you can hold on to that belief then there really is no limit to what you can achieve. Find good mentors, be resilient and take any and all opportunity that comes your way because you never know when that will be the one that really makes the difference.

Gemma Gales - Client Director at Rylands Brand Design

The majority of my female friends have great careers. They’re teachers, scriptwriters, CEOs, authors, tennis stars, finance directors etc. Their careers are hard-won, and the work/life balance is never easy, but they have them. We like to celebrate women in business because so many contribute so much of themselves but don’t always seek or gain recognition for their achievements. I think perhaps there’s a lack of expectation and/or a tendency to move straight on to whatever’s next without pause. Although I think that’s changing. The expectation of reward and recognition is increasing (reward is definitely as important as a celebration, by the way!)

My advice would be personally, and from seeing my amazing friends and colleagues succeed so brilliantly, is don’t be intimidated by challenging situations and let yourself be labelled; whoever you are. Make your work the focus. Celebrate that work and let it speak about who you are.

Nicole Compen - Founder of raye the store

Every day is and should be Women’s Day. Being a female founder and working with mostly female-founded brands, inequality in business is something that keeps coming up. A future where women have equal access to funding, resources, and opportunities to grow their businesses, as well as seeing more women in leadership positions, is what we should be working towards. Pushing to close the gap on all gender equality aspects.

Unfortunately, we’re still at a place societally where we need and must celebrate our achievements as Women. Until there’s no difference between genders, getting loud on a day like today is important!

Emma Heal - Managing Director of Lucky Saint

On a personal level it's an opportunity to recognise and celebrate women's achievements. During IWD we can shine a light on the incredible women at Lucky Saint and those we're all inspired by, and to witness the achievements of women outside our everyday world around the globe. It's an incredibly inspiring and uplifting time, and a rare opportunity to feel a part of a worldwide community.

The other essential element of IWD is to promote gender equality, so critical to delivering globally on the UN's sustainable development goals.

Lucy Wager - Product Development Consultant

For me celebrating women's day is an opportunity to pause and acknowledge the women in my life that make a difference, remembering that together we can make things better for ourselves and for women and societies all over the world.

Most importantly, it creates a day every year to put women's equality front and centre and celebrate the achievements of women from the past, present and look forward to the future.

Arabella Acland - Founder of Soul Soup Co.

It’s a chance to celebrate all women and show tribute to the sacrifices of so many amazing woman in our lives and throughout history. It’s a day for everyone, regardless of gender, to acknowledge the progress of gender equality and recognise how far we have left to go.

In the past 18 months, we are proud that over 70% of the brands we've supported are female-founded. Our industry is changing, but today is a good reminder that more can always be done!

International Women’s Day 2023