Hitchin Business Women Unite on International Women’s Day

The event and short film was the brainwave of local business woman, Anisha Joshi, owner of the Woodside Clinic, Hitchin.  Anisha commented ‘I had an idea to create a film to celebrate the success of Hitchin business women and to inspire young girls that they can do anything. The women in this film represent different stages and different decisions, they show that regardless, you can have it all.’

Last year to celebrate International Women’s Day, organizations and individuals around the world supported the #PledgeForParity campaign and committed to help women and girls achieve their ambitions, challenge bias, and call for gender-balanced leadership.

The World Economic Forum predicts the gender gap won’t close entirely until 2186. International Women’s Day, acts as a catalyst for change and balanced equality, and this year the campaign is calling for everyone to #BeBoldForChange to drive a gender balanced better working world.

The Hitchin event and short film has been supported by local businesses including The Woodside Clinic, The Vic Hitchin, Haelan Therapy, The Old George, Ickleford, Hush Beauty, Kasia Burke Photography, The Yoga Shed, What Sarah Did and The Media Snug.

Rebecca Kelly, owner of Halean Therapy in Bucklesbury commented, “I was inspired to sponsor the Hitchin IWD initiative to support the success of Hitchin women in business and to help create a ripple effect beyond this.   I wanted to be a part of the IWD film to share my experiences and inspire a new generation of women to be bold.  No one should be defined by what they do, how they do it or by what they believe in.  If we have a passion for something, we should have the confidence to go out and explore it and see where we end up.” 

Adeline St John of MediaBites and the MediaSnug commented “I feel so privileged to be a part of a town with such a huge community spirit. My colleague and now business Partner, Kerry Haynes, encouraged me to take the leap and start my own business. Two years later we are flying together as “The Media Snug”. I couldn’t have done it without Kerry and all the other women who encouraged me to do it.  The business women of Hitchin all support each other, with recommendations, networking & sharing skills – I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I immediately jumped at the chance to help promote this initiative to give something back and to stand together will be an immensely proud moment for all of us, as we have all put so much time effort, blood, sweat & tears into our businesses.”

With a number of business support and networking groups in the local area, Hitchin is a fantastic place for anyone to set up and run their own business at any point in their life, whether they be 18 or 60.  This event and short film was testament to this.

Michelle from The Pilates Pod in Bancroft adds “Having started and later expanding our dream of The Pilates Pod after a recession and a new born baby (and another one later!), we know how hard it is for women to have careers, families and help other women. Our team is made up of strong of career minded passionate women, who just need a bit of flexibility and we believe in giving that. Babies and business can mix, women inspiring women does exist, women supporting women not knocking them down is what we believe in. Go and start your dream!“

Nicola Kevans of the Old George, Ickleford sums it up…”People in every sector of society need to be doing something for equality. Its all about making work work for women.”

Anyone looking to set up their own business in the local area can get support from local business women.  As part of this campaign, the business women of Hitchin have come together to offer a mentoring programme and workshops.  If you are interested please contact kerry@inspirememedia.co.uk for more information.