At Butterfly Conservation, we’re immensely proud of the women in our teams, from Conservation to Human Resources. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’ve asked some of our staff to share their thoughts on International Women’s Day and what it means to them, or on the thing they are most proud of.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Sarah Adlem, Executive PA to the CEO
International Women’s Day is a day to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women everywhere and be proud to be a woman. I am grateful to all the women of the past who fought for equality to enable me to have the rights and freedom that I enjoy today. I know this is not the same for women globally, and many women are still suffering because of their gender - the fight for justice, equality and respect continues. We need to support each other and enjoy our successes – not be embarrassed by them. To all the amazing women who continue to inspire and encourage me every day – thank you!
Emma Pestridge, Kent’s Magnificent Moths Engagement Officer
For me, International Women’s Day means a day of celebration to showcase and reflect women’s amazing achievements and how we continue to smash stereotypes!
It’s a great day that always puts a spring in my step as I read stories and successes from inspiring women, the whole day motivates me to keep trying to make a difference and continue to fight for women everywhere!
Kate Barrett, Volunteer Manager
For me it’s about appreciating women and celebrating our strengths, many of which have been unrecognised and uncelebrated for most of our history. Thankfully things are changing quickly in that respect, and I enjoy working with many strong, dedicated and talented women at Butterfly Conservation, whether as staff or volunteers. I was brought up to believe that there’s nothing that women can’t achieve, and to me, International Women’s Day is about recognising that, as well as the unique qualities that women bring to the world. I’m very proud to work in an organisation which has many women in leadership roles, though only 40% of our volunteers identify as female and I’d love to see that increase. We have loads of opportunities to get involved so I’d encourage any women reading this to take a look at our volunteer opportunity search or contact your local branch to see how you can get involved in our work!
Kate Hardy, Head of People and Culture
As a working parent, International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to highlight the amazing balancing act between work and family life that many women deliver every single day.
It’s also vital to highlight the significant contribution women can make in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths industries. I have many female friends who work in the engineering industry and it’s important to showcase such individuals to encourage the next generation to push the boundaries even further.
What is something you are most proud of (professional, personal, or otherwise)?
Kate Merry, Engagement Manager
I am most proud of the parts of my work that create opportunities for children to experience and connect with nature. That could involve developing new projects and securing the funding needed to deliver them or working with partners to enable local schools to explore our reserves. But what I love most, and what will always be a motivation for me are the times when I get to see first-hand how an encounter with butterflies and moths can captivate a young person. How they light up with curiosity and wonder. It’s a lovely thing to witness, and delivers a much needed dose of optimism that we can make things better.