I was very excited this week to be invited to 10 downing street to celebrate international women’s day. For several reasons, not least to experience the expensive decor and wow factor of such a historic place but also to hopefully meet inspirational women who otherwise might not cross my path.
The start of the day was not great, the weather was cold and wet really dreary to be travelling to London and we almost got £100 fine for not buying a ticket before getting on the train.
As it would be with most farmers I know, we were madly dashing to the station at the last minute and have always bought tickets on the train. When you are that late you don’t look at all the signs warning you to get a ticket before getting on the train.
Be warned people who are always last min! However, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet the women I had hoped to meet and although I felt very out of place there were two ladies who really grabbed my attention, and I even got a few words with the education minister.
The prime minister gave a speech about the value of women in employment and had photos taken with women who wanted that. I came away thinking that although I do agree there are amazing women in business who we should celebrate, and I certainly met two of them. In my world we need the men as well. We need a balance of men and women and different ages… one without the other would diminish our success in making a difference with young people.
I did celebrate international women’s day because it’s important to recognise the values and strengths many women add to a business, but whilst doing that I also do not want to lose sight of the value and balance that men bring when we work as true partners. Equality is about belonging and inclusivity that was the sentiment of this year’s celebration.
