International Women’s Day 2021

IWD provides an important moment to showcase commitment to women's equality, launch new initiatives and action, celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness, highlight gender parity gains and more.

The day is celebrated and supported globally by industry, governments, educational institutions, community groups, professional associations, women's networks, charities and non-profit bodies, the media and more.

Collectively every person and all groups can make a difference within their sphere of influence by taking concrete action to help build a more gender equal world. From small powerful grassroots gatherings to large-scale conference and events - International Women's Day is celebrated everywhere. It's a big day for inspiration and change. Read more about IWD's her story here.

We asked the women of Umbrella Training, an all women lead small business, which women have inspired them in the career or life.

Adele’s pick is Margaret Earl

I have so many women to celebrate on IWD and those that I would like to thank as they have inspired me in the past and continue to do so as each year goes by.

For me, one lady stands out and I start with my foundations and with my late mother, Margaret Earl.  All of my skills, behaviours and knowledge are attributed to her guidance and support and have made me the woman I am today. 

Women need to support other women and we need to continue to #choosetochallenge. We need to raise our daughters to be fair, caring, considerate human beings and give them the confidence to live their lives as strong and powerful individuals, whilst raising our sons to respect women equally and to celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.

Kate’s pick is Frida Kahlo

I find Frida Kahlo immensely inspiring. Frida was a self-portrait artist born on July 6,1907, in Mexico City and is known for both her art and political activism. I admire her determination and the way in which she used her artistic voice with courage and purpose, to depict subjects that were rarely seen, in order to illuminate women’s experiences by putting them in public view.

Despite the physical and emotional pain she endured over many years, she persevered, becoming a female trailblazer and disruptor, defying society's beauty standards and fighting off everything that would hold her down.

“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” ― Frida Kahlo

Robyn’s pick is Adele Oxberry and Jo Simovic

A women who I admire... this is a hard one because I am all for girl power and being every females cheerleader in life.

Within work it is my two strong boss ladies Adele and JoJo! I am not just saying this because I am their PA.

Both equality wonderful and fierce. They let nothing stand in their way, both from very humble backgrounds and this is shown throughout their management of the company.

They believe in me, the person I am now and the person I am becoming.

I admire every women within Umbrella Training. They are my girl band!

Kaye’s pick is Malika Favre

I am please to say I am surrounded by strong women daily. On a personal level, my Mum is an amazing source of strength, kindness and love and someone I hope to be everyday.

As a graphic designer and illustrator, you are constantly seeking to grow and develop your skills as well as your sources of inspiration.

A huge source of inspiration for me is Malike, whose illustrations are a striking lesson in the use of positive/negative space and colour. Her work has pushed me to be braver and bolder as well as being a story teller especially in my personal works.

“Being a woman myself, I tend to highlight this eclectic collection of diverse women as an expression of my femininity: strong, independent, sensual, and free.” - Malike Favre - elledecor.com

Anja’s pick is Svetlana Bila

I have always been surrounded by inspirational, strong women.

The one that stood out the most was my maitre’D on the cruise ship.

She had such an elegance, charm and ease when she interacted with anyone.

I learned how to ensure that a 70 head strong team paid attention to what I wanted to say. She guided me in becoming the best version of myself and take steps into the unknown, when I changed my career path.

Still speak highly of her more than 10 years later. What a woman.

Alison’s pick is Frances Lees

Throughout my career in Hospitality I have had some fantastic female leaders who have shown courage and resilience in a previously male dominated world.

However there is one person who came into my life and I made sure she never left. She became a mentor, a role model and ultimately an amazing friend. She coached me to become a better leader and always pushed me to achieve more.

She has continued to mentor me, providing valued opinions and ample advice. We are now navigating our way through motherhood together and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share my journey with.