International Women's Day 2023

Today is International Women's Day!

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The first IWD was established in 1911 and remains an important movement in helping to advance women’s equality, with the day belonging to everyone, everywhere.

At Somerset Bridge Group, we endeavor to provide a working environment where women can thrive and are free to express themselves and their interests openly and proudly. The theme for IWD 2023 is #EmbraceEquity, and in honor of this we wanted to celebrate our female employees who enjoy hobbies that are typically associated with men, in an effort to break gender stereotypes.

Jessica Hall, Senior HR Advisor

“In the past year I have joined a women’s ultimate frisbee team, through this I have learnt that the sport is lacking representation from women. The grassroots team I have joined is designed to train women and give them the confidence to be able to join mixed gendered frisbee teams. Through this organisation I have met many women who are challenging what it means to be a woman in the sporting world. In competitive ultimate frisbee, games are self-refereed and each team is scored on their “spirit” which encourages cooperation and supporting your opponents through coaching and cheering them on.?Playing competitively in mixed games I have been amazed by the support from both men and women and the passion they have to promote the sport.

There is a lot that we can learn from the approach in ultimate frisbee, it demonstrates that we can challenge gender stereotypes and empower each other through working together. We need to lift each other up not tear each other down to level the playing field.

Everyone has a different interpretation of what it means to be a woman, for me it’s about feeling empowered to live as your authentic self whatever that might look like. It might be due to experiencing the loss of my mum but I always try to live life to the fullest and take the opportunities that are presented to me. This perspective on life has given me so many great life experiences such as solo backpacking, sky diving and swimming with crocodiles, to name just a few. These experiences might not always fit the narrative of being a woman but this is what being a woman looks like for me."

Daisy Tremlin, Customer Experience Executive

“Is building muscle considered too manly for a woman? Absolutely not! I have been weight training and building muscle for the best part of 5 years and I have definitely built my muscles up in places I would have once considered "too manly".

I feel today, women face so many misconceptions when it comes to strength training & fitness in general – if you lift too much you’ll look a certain way; if you lift too little, you’re not working hard enough.

One thing I have realised since pushing myself daily is that I am way stronger than I once thought, not just physically but mentally too. I love what I do and I encourage every woman to do the same.

As long as you're happy and healthy, that’s all that matters. There’s nothing more powerful then women supporting women!”

Teresa Dadey, People & Development Director

"Beekeeping:?Male orientated??Female orientated??……??Nature orientated.

Bees are incredible creatures and a real link to nature and what it can offer us, it’s an inclusive hobby for all and something you either enjoy or don’t with no male or female bias (except in the hive of course!)

I’ve kept bees for nearly 10yrs now and get an enormous amount of satisfaction from the hobby – and a considerable amount of enjoyment from the honey too!”

Kelly-Anne Parsons, Continuous Improvement Coordinator

“Even though I’ve been playing ladies rugby for the past 19 years, when I was in my 20s I never would have told a male on a night out that I played rugby. Remarks such as “It’s a male sport”, “Why would you do that”, and “The bruises look disgusting” are often heard.

Now that I am in my late 30s, I am not ashamed of the sport that I love, and I tell everyone about it in the hopes of encouraging other women to participate. The circle of supportive and motivational women and friends for life that I have formed around me through playing rugby?is invaluable.

I am so proud of the powerful team of women that we have evolved into, evidenced by the fact that we are currently top of our league and have won all ten of our games so far this season.

Today, I celebrate International Women’s Day for all of the women who are here with us and for all of the women who have come before us.

Do the things that you enjoy!”

Vicki Edmunds, CIT Claims Handler

“My hobby is learning to ride a motorcycle,?which is still predominately a more male focused area.?I passed my CBT last year (so I can ride 125cc with L Plates on the road) and I was the only female there.?My motorcycle instructors were really supportive and helpful.?

In regards to equipment it's actually still quite difficult for me to get equipment that fits me, for example I had to buy an extra small helmet, or that could just be I have a tiny head! Motorcycle gloves are usually huge on me.?There is more female specific riding gear out there but it is expensive and not as varied as the male equipment.?

Unfortunately I have hurt my back but hope to continue on with lessons soon to obtain my full license and one day own my dream bike, the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or T120 Gold Line!"

Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.

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