International Women's Day 2024
This year, the United Nation's theme for International Women's Day 2024 is "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress". To mark this occasion we spoke to a number of our inspiring female colleagues from across the All3Media group.
We asked them:
Find out what they had to say...
Sophia Woodward, Senior Payroll Analyst at All3Media
"To help women realise their full potential and make sure they are not held back by unreasonable considerations. To be respected for their own abilities and treated and paid fairly. This is not only a financial consideration but investing in time, education and development.
As a young woman starting out in the working world, I encountered inappropriate language and behaviour that I sadly accepted as the norm. More recently, I have been diagnosed with early menopause. This has led to some difficult conversations that left me feeling uncomfortable. This showed me that there were gaps in knowledge and has motivated me to be proactive in educating leaders and providing support for women in similar circumstances to normalise these kinds of conversations. I would encourage anyone to speak out against inappropriate behaviour and to reach out to likeminded people such as Diversity Network Associations (DNAs) like All3GEN, our internal Groupwide gender network."
Tiffany Dejillo, CSA, Senior Director of Casting and Development at All3Media
"There are many ways to invest in women... corporations can hire more women in leadership, leaders can prioritise mentoring and promoting the growth of women on their staff, and we can also actively make sure women are being paid as much as the men. Also, so much of our industry focuses on the ideas, stories, and experiences of men in which women are just supporting characters, often painted through the lens of a man. Considering women make up half of the population (based on the last census), we need to invest more time, money, and resources in telling women's stories, and prioritise hiring women to lead those projects.
I would advise women, especially women of colour, to build a support system of professional relationships with women who share your experiences. If you are able to find a mentor in your field, even better! When I worked as a TV Development Assistant in 2004 (well before harassment training or "diversity, equality, and inclusion"), I had to learn very quickly how to navigate the unconscious biases I encountered as an Asian woman who also happened to look very young. Fortunately, I worked with a VP who was also a woman of colour and only a year older than me, so we had a lot in common. She taught me how to pick my battles, navigate misogyny, and not take things personally. This was impactful and powerful because she understood me - my experiences with these biases were acknowledged and addressed directly, rather than dismissed, belittled, or even blamed on me. Now, I do my best to pass those lessons on to colleagues who come to me with similar challenges."
Fiona Wood, Strategy Director (Sport) at Little Dot Studios
"To me this means empowering women economically and socially, fuelling advancement and innovation, fostering equality and equity and prosperity for all.
Working in sport often throws up its own unique gender bias challenges. There is often the assumption I don't know much about a particular sport, or only work across the women's side of the organisation. When faced with these kinds of situations, I stay positive, challenge the stereotype in a way which promotes awareness of gender bias and encourage others to do the same.
My advice for any woman facing similar obstacles would be to stay resilient! Build positive and supportive relationships around yourself, remain self-aware and mindful and continue to be motivated and driven."
Jane Turton, CEO of All3Media
"I would pick out the words “invest in women”. As a business person, I like the fact that supporting women and delivering equality is seen as an area for “investment”. For me, I associate “investment” with long term benefits, be they growth, job opportunities, wealth etc. Not wealth in a purely monetary sense, but in this case in all sorts of positive outcomes that are broad and enduring and have a very positive societal impact."
Annabelle van der Spek, Head of HR at IDTV
"Women often share a different perspective and are therefore an important asset to companies. They bring unique problem-solving skills, enhancing decision-making processes. By diversifying the workforce, companies gain access to a wider talent pool. In general companies with diverse leadership perform better. So, what are we waiting for?
In the past I have noticed that men have the tendency to speak first and show an attitude that the one who has the loudest voice takes the lead. It is important not to let yourself be blown away and certainly not to join in shouting. Open attitude and solid arguments always show better results. Remember, your worth and capabilities transcend outdated biases."
Vicky McClure, CEO at Build Your Own Films
"Energy! Not just in the energy we can give to our workload but the energy we as women give to society, within our many roles and emotionally the energy it gives back to us.
My challenges have been in the form of imposter syndrome, down to class and my gender. I have felt my voice isn’t loud enough in some rooms. I’ve learnt to continue talking at my natural volume, in my own words. To be the loudest and most articulate in the room doesn’t always bring the right results, being authentic is truly a result for all!"
Sally Habbershaw, EVP Americas at All3Media
"Very simply for me it’s about education and giving greater access to women who don’t necessarily have the means or network.
When I started in my career, I was often the only woman in the room. As a result, I always dressed up in a suit and made sure that I was more prepared than anyone else in meetings. There were frequent occasions when I was talked down to or references were made to my gender or appearance. I would ignore it and rise above it. I would advise that you shouldn’t be intimidated by these situations or be made to feel like an imposter. Know your voice and recognize the value you bring.
Also never underestimate the value of the brilliant network of women in your life; be it family, your girlfriends or work colleagues."
Sarah Caswell, Development Associate at West Road
"Invest in women: Accelerate progress" means putting your money, efforts, and opportunities where they count for women. It's recognising that when you support and empower women – whether through education, jobs, or leadership roles – you're not just helping them but boosting progress for everyone.
In my career journey, I’ve occasionally bumped into gender bias hurdles that needed manoeuvring. I’ve tackled it head-on by consistently proving my skills and delivering results. Having a solid support crew of mentors and allies, regardless of gender, has been a game-changer. So, my advice to fellow women is to own your strengths, build a network that's got your back, and don't be shy about celebrating your achievements."
Harriet Allen, Commercial Executive (Unscripted) at All3Media International
"To me, it means it’s a time to really meaningfully explore how to elevate women to their full potential because ultimately, it benefits everyone. It’s about creating and highlighting opportunities for women for both personal and professional development. It’s about ensuring women feel empowered, represented and supported in the workplace and to help open as many doors as possible.
I’ve been lucky in my career so far that I’ve never really encountered any (obvious) challenges due to gender bias. I’ve always worked in female majority teams and been surrounded by lots of brilliant women throughout. That’s a large part of why I wanted to be a part of All3GEN, the gender DNA – to help amplify voices and create a support network for women across the business regardless of your immediate team. It’s a fantastic conduit to strive for positive internal change and get women networking outside of their day to day contacts - relationships are so important in this industry! I really hope the creation of the group will facilitate that and more, not least providing a space for anyone facing obstacles to seek support with likeminded individuals."
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Lara Bishop, Director of Production and Client Development at Aurora Media
"As an advocate for gender equality and empowerment, this theme resonates deeply with me. "Invest in women: Accelerate progress" emphasises the need for deliberate efforts to provide women with equal opportunities, resources, and support to thrive. By investing in women, whether through education, healthcare, economic opportunities, or leadership roles, we not only empower individual women but also drive societal progress and development at an accelerated pace. It's about creating a world where gender does not limit potential and where everyone can contribute to their fullest.
I have encountered various barriers and challenges stemming from gender bias, these have been in the form of being underestimated in my ability as well as facing micro aggressions; I’ve previously been called aggressive for being assertive and have encountered bias in decision making processes. To overcome these obstacles, I have focused on building my skills and expertise, ensuring my competence speaks louder than any prejudice. I have sought out mentors and allies that have supported my growth and have spoken up against gender bias wherever I have encountered it. For other women facing similar obstacles my advice would be believe in yourself and your abilities, recognise that gender bias is a societal issue and not a reflection of your worth. Surround yourself with a supportive network, speak up against discrimination and above all remain resilient in the face of adversity."
Elly Salisbury, Deputy Director of Production at Silverback Films
“For me, it's a simple message about recognising and celebrating the work we have done, whilst acknowledging that we still have a way to go on our journey towards gender equality. That work is a shared responsibility and can, and should, begin now.
Like all women, I've been on the receiving end of office 'banter' and casually sexist remarks in previous roles and am acutely aware that I have often been the only female of influence in a room or during a meeting. I think it's important to remember that you can only ever control yourself and the actions you take; how other people perceive you, or treat you, is often beyond your influence. However, I would suggest it is essential to constructively challenge outdated, illogical, and openly sexist behaviour. There is never an excuse for it and the world, at last, is beginning to cotton on.”
I also think it's hugely important to encourage, support, advise and create pathways for other women and I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do that in my current role, but women influence women (and men!) wherever they work, in whatever position. I'd advise any woman in the workplace to recognise their power and use it positively - this absolutely isn't about closing the door to equally brilliant men but recognising that everyone deserves to have a seat at the table.
And we all benefit from that.”
Danielle McGirr, Line Producer at North One
“I think this year’s theme highlights what can really be achieved when women are given the freedom and space they need to be who are they - as well as financial investment, just as crucial is investment in understanding, supporting and empowering women. When we have these things in place, everyone benefits - from relationships, to businesses, to communities. The more we have an open forum and investment in areas such as periods, menopause, baby loss, gender pay gap, the sooner we can achieve progress.
The biggest barrier for me has probably been learning to stand up for myself, finding my voice and recognising that I have a responsibility to other women, too - these are not things that I was educated in, or were naturally instilled in me when growing up. We can all learn from each other, and I am still learning every day. My advice for women who also struggle with finding confidence would be to take strength and guidance from those who inspire you, but to look inside too, and know that you are allowed to, and should always, advocate for yourself.”
Annika Allen, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at All3Media
“This theme underscores the urgent need to prioritise women's voices, experiences, and talents. It's about recognizing the immense value that women bring to the table as creators, producers, writers, directors, and leaders in this industry. Investing in women in the TV industry means more than just providing opportunities—it means actively seeking out and amplifying diverse perspectives, stories, and talents. It means breaking down barriers that hinder women's advancement and ensuring equal representation, pay and recognition for their contributions.
One significant obstacle has been the struggle to balance motherhood with the demands of a fast-paced and often unpredictable work environment.
As a working mother, I've faced the pressure to juggle multiple responsibilities while striving to excel in my career. The need for flexible working arrangements, especially in an industry known for its long hours and demanding schedules, has been crucial for me to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
However, in the past I have encountered gender bias and misconceptions. There have been times when I've felt judged or underestimated because of my role as a mother. Some may assume that I can't handle certain responsibilities or commitments due to the demands of parenthood, leading to feelings of frustration and guilt.
But I refuse to let these challenges hold me back. Overcoming gender bias and balancing motherhood with my career has required resilience, determination, and a supportive network. I've learned to advocate for myself, communicate my needs clearly, and seek out opportunities that align with my values and priorities.
My advice to other women facing similar obstacles is this: Don't be afraid to assert yourself and advocate for what you need. Find allies and mentors who can support you along the way. Embrace flexibility and creativity in finding solutions that work for you and your family. And above all, remember that being a mother does not diminish your capabilities or ambitions—on the contrary, it enhances them.”
Jane Hamlin, COO and Director of Production at Silverback Films
“For me this is about actively putting processes in place within the company such as flexible working hours, removing the pay divide, to enable women to have a family if they wish AND a great career. To do this, we need to take down barriers that make career progression hard for women in the industry so that they don’t have to choose between having a career or a family or having to work doubly hard to have both.
Things have moved on considerably since I started my career but there’s still a long way to go and, as a woman in a position to do that within Silverback, I will keep empowering and helping women to move up as far as they wish to go.
During my career I have worked in roles that were mainly male dominated so I would always spend the first part of the job gaining the trust and respect of the male members of the location crew around me – something sadly a man in that position, at that time, didn’t need to do.
Things are so much better now but I would advise any woman facing situations like that to remember they deserve to be there so rise above, stand proud and do an amazing job. The very reason you are in that position in the first place.
I would also say don’t be afraid to call out any gender bias behaviour. Thankfully the world is moving forwards but to continue in that direction we all need to work together to create a fair and equal space.”
Lisa Selway, COO at New Pictures
“To me, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress means being an ally for other women – particularly taking on responsibility for creating opportunities for other women. Last year I made the change from a Business Affairs and legal role to COO - a role that is still mainly male dominated – an opportunity which was given to me by another woman.
The work towards women’s rights must be intersectional; any feminism that purely represents the experiences of white, middle class, able-bodied, heterosexual etc. women will fail to achieve equality for all.
Many women have seen their careers flatline when they become a parent. The constant juggling is exhausting. Although it certainly does focus the mind, and I eventually found a new way of flexible working to suit my schedule.
To help make the BA & legal side of this industry a more accessible space for women, I helped start the Women’s Entertainment Network, together with Sarah Lazarides (Harbottle & Lewis) and Clare Hardwick (Grey Seal Media). WEN hosts events for women working within or supporting the business affairs and legal teams of companies in the international media industry. WEN was created because I believe it is important that a supportive network for other women exists, as we tend to undersell our abilities or minimize ourselves in order to make space for men. WEN events provide a forum for women to reach out, share their experiences and learn from the experiences of others. I would encourage anyone to find a similar group for their role, or to start their own!”
Sara Geater, COO of All3Media
"It means we remove the obstacles for women getting into powerful positions. The more women in power there are the better society will be.
My advice have belief in yourself, go for it."
A huge thank you to all the women who took part in this article. As we mark International Women's Day 2024, let's celebrate the strides made in gender equality and acknowledge the work ahead. Recognising achievements, advocating for equal opportunities, and fostering inclusivity contribute to a brighter, more equitable future.