Abigail Little’s Post

Celebrating International Women's Day 👩🦰🧕👵 This year, International Women's Day is highlighting the need to inspire inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world and create a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. At NGN we value difference and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We believe a broader, diverse and inclusive culture, where everyone has the same opportunities is essential to deliver better outputs for our customers, business and our current and future workforce. In 2021 we launched our Colleague Communities, which were established to address the challenges faced around diversity and inclusion and ensure that and we can understand and learn from different perspectives and experiences, empowering our colleagues to drive meaningful change for our workforce🤝. Our Communities meet up regularly to discuss topics that matter to our people and help to ensure we understand and address the challenges faced. They act as trailblazers, leading the way for NGN to embed inclusion, belonging and acceptance across our organisation through policy development, representation, and transparency. For our Women’s Community, the goal is to improve the work and life experience of our female colleagues and customers and to increase general awareness of the barriers facing women in entering, developing and remaining in the workplace. All members of our Women's Community are champions and are making a difference. From providing networking and mentorship opportunities, introducing measures to ensure everyone feels safe both inside and outside of work to open discussions on creating a working environment that allows women to thrive in the workplace. We can't wait to see what this community does in the future ✨ #internationalwomensday #iwd #empoweringwomen

We took our company photo for International Women’s Day today. We went with “Inspire Inclusion”, because I thought that was this year’s theme…. Inspired by that theme, I asked if we could send an email inviting our female AND male colleagues to join in for a company photo, which included “doing the heart sign” to camera, to be published on Friday. Yes we could! Then, over the weekend, I read in a post on here: the IWD theme is actually “Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress”, and the “Inspire Inclusion” one is actually from a marketing consultancy and nothing to do with the United Nations campaign! Oh no!! The first time I’ve taken the lead on my company’s celebration of International Women’s Day and I got the theme wrong!! I read the post comments… lots of eye roll emojis, debate about the merits of the (equally obscure?) United Nations’ theme. Anger. Frustration. Division. Us. Them. So, what to do? 🫣 Well, I said nothing. We went with the “Inspire Inclusion” one and took the photo. This is the only International Women’s Day theme, official or not, that actually inspired me to say “hey, if equality and inclusion for your female colleagues means something to you, we invite you guys to be a part of this too”. Men can be our most powerful allies. They are often “in the room” and can call it out if we’re not in a room we should be. They are more often in the position to help improve diversity and inclusion and are key to help us to really “accelerate progress”. I went with it, and you know what? The guys joined the girls and came down for the photo. Even though it was lunchtime. Even though it was raining. Even though they had to make a “heart shape” with their hands. It felt like we were in it together. This International Women’s Day, Friday 8th March, I can thoroughly recommend the “Inspire Inclusion” theme, but ultimately, just go with what you think will contribute positively to the fight for equality and inclusivity for women. Inspire Inclusion, not division. 😘 #inspireinclusion #internationalwomensday2024 #investinwomen (Own views)

🌟💧 Shining a Light on International Women's Day: Count Her In! 💧🌟 As we gear up to celebrate International Women's Day on Friday, I'm reflecting on my journey in the water treatment industry – a path marked by both challenges and triumphs, yet punctuated by subtle reminders of the importance of inclusivity in every aspect of our work environment. Let's chat about toilets and workplace design. It might seem trivial, but it's a daily reminder of where we stand. Picture this: being at a treatment plant with no designated facilities, leading to the awkward dance of, "Where do I wash my hands?" Is the plant whispering, "Sorry, ladies, this space isn't for you"? Ever found yourself hovering outside the men's room at a workshop, begging for that magical grease remover soap like it's some sort of forbidden elixir? Are they saying, "Sure, you can work here, but don't you dare get those hands dirty"? And then there are instances where workplace design speaks volumes – like a small design firm boasting only one female toilet among multiple male facilities. Is this a subtle message saying, "Well, we've got our token female, so our work here is done"? These experiences are my own, but I know I'm not alone in facing such challenges. They underscore the importance of examining the messages our workplaces send, whether intentionally or not. If we truly want to embody the spirit of "Count Her In", we must ensure that our environments reflect inclusivity in every detail. Yes, accommodating additional facilities comes at a cost, but the cost of exclusion – of making anyone feel unwelcome or undervalued – is far greater. So, as we celebrate International Women's Day, let's commit to creating workplaces where every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and every person feels they belong. #CountHerIn #InclusivityMatters #InternationalWomensDay #InspireInclusion

At the end of last week, information channels across the world were bursting with content about International Women’s Day. The theme this year was ‘Real equality doesn’t end with representation, it ends with ‘inclusion’ and it struck me just how true this was when I considered how many people had embraced and acknowledged this one day in our year.    From the younger generations to grandparents, educational institutions to global companies and celebrities to politicians, millions of people across the world joined the #IWD conversation, recognizing the achievements of women and reflecting the role they play in society from a magnitude of perspectives. It really was inclusivity in action.     One of the things I value most about working in EMEA is the natural diversity we see when bringing people from different countries together. From our cultural experiences, language differences and local histories, we have a continuous opportunity to learn from each other and foster inclusivity. Without a doubt this diversity leads to better results for our patients and is fundamental to our ability to be a better partner when it comes to building more resilient and equitable healthcare systems in our region.     At J&J, we’ve dedicated the month of March to celebrating the women in our organization who are leading the way, and without whom we wouldn’t be who we are today. My team in EMEA is made up of some truly inspiring women who are challenging the norms and shaping the future of healthcare: Geraldine Schenk, Roxana Botea, Julie Enevold Brooker, Nina Ekholm-Wenberg (She/Her/Hers), Maria Fernanda Prado, Tuba Albayrak, Júlia Dvorszki, Katarzyna Lukowska, Ana Maria Vargas, Liat Gottlieb, Anne Sveaass, Laetitia Decroix Guilloux, Katerina Pogodina, Roz Bekker, Delphine Aguilera Caron, Dominique Inghelbrecht, Lada Hruba, Charlotte Garrigues, Anouk De Vroey, Saskia De Haes, Filipa Mota e Costa and Liz Daly. These women consistently bring innovative ideas to the table, they make tough decisions, and they guide their teams in often challenging circumstances to deliver for patients. The world is becoming a more complex place to operate in, and we’re going to need more phenomenal leaders like these women in our team. Only by fostering inclusivity and embracing diversity will we achieve this.   When it comes to impactful women, one of my favourite anecdotes is a conversation between Clementine Churchill and her husband Winston illustrated in the image below. Food for thought for us all.  

This Friday, March 08, is International Women’s Day! Allyship is important in making sure that everyone is not only invited to the table but is also heard, acknowledged, and recognized for their contributions. When we raise our expectations on matters of inclusion, we can have deeper conversations on this essential aspect of workplace culture. Inspired by articles written by contributors for International Women’s Day (IWD) and Women for Women International (links for both pages are listed below), the following are some ways that individuals, particularly men, can help uplift women in the workplace: · Mindful Reflection: Embracing a growth mindset means acknowledging our biases and actively working to overcome them. Every step forward is a step towards progress. · Authentic Connection: Go to the source and engage in authentic conversations. Listen, learn, and let the stories of women and other underrepresented groups inspire a shared narrative of empowerment. · Building Alliances: Cultivating supportive partnerships is key. Teams should actively work towards fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. · Amplifying Voices: Speak up and "call in" when witnessing abuses of power. Let your voice echo with courage, resilience, and a commitment to a world where everyone is treated with dignity. · Creating Space: Step back to allow others to step forward is vital. True leadership is about empowering others and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. · Modeling Diversity: Be a role model for diversity by showcasing different ways of being and leading. Our differences are our strengths. · Communication Matters: Mindful communication builds bridges. Let words be beacons of inspiration, unity, and empowerment. In conversations, we shape a world where everyone feels seen and heard. · Owning Our Impact: Understand the impact of our actions, take responsibility, and course-correct with grace. Each moment is a chance to redefine our narrative and contribute to a more inclusive tomorrow. Let's make every day an opportunity to celebrate and support women. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world. Interested in learning more? Visit the International Women’s Day website (https://lnkd.in/giy5fvjA) and Women for Women International (https://lnkd.in/gyrgvHVg) for additional resources and insights on how to play a part in driving positive change. It's essential for everyone to actively engage in these efforts, not just on International Women's Day, but throughout the year! #internationalwomensday2024 #internationalwomensday #IWD2024 #womenforwomen #allyship #InspireInclusion

🌟 Every Day is Women’s Day 🌟 As we pause on International Women’s Day to celebrate the incredible achievements of women, I’m reminded that the respect, support, and celebration we offer today should not be confined to just one day. Every day offers us a fresh opportunity to challenge our biases, to think and act inclusively, and to foster an environment where everyone, especially women, feels empowered and valued. We all harbor biases and assumptions. The real challenge— and my commitment—is to confront these biases daily, striving for a deeper understanding and better actions. I’m on a continuous journey of growth. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m dedicated to learning, listening, and improving. True change, whether big or small, begins with each of us. It’s about transforming our daily interactions and decisions to not just speak of equality, but to actively shape it. Embrace every day as an opportunity to forge a more inclusive, equitable world. Every moment is a chance to support and uplift the achievements and potential of women in our lives and our workplaces. Let’s celebrate the remarkable women, their strength, their contributions, and their unstoppable potential among us every day. Together, we can and will make a difference. #InternationalWomensDay #CommitmentToChange #InclusionStartsWithI

Why #inspireInclusion Matters: 🌟 #InspireInclusion: Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024 As we commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8th, let’s come together to champion change, uplift women, and create a more inclusive world. This year’s theme, #InspireInclusion, resonates deeply with our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment for all. 👩💼 Why #InspireInclusion Matters:   🌸 Collective Action: It’s not just about individual efforts; it’s about what we can achieve together. By inspiring inclusion, we amplify diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. 🌸Belonging: Inclusion means everyone has a seat at the table. Let’s ensure that every woman feels valued, heard, and seen—whether in the boardroom, the lab, or the community. 🌸Relevance: When we embrace diversity, we tap into a wealth of ideas and creativity. Inclusion ensures that no one is left behind, and everyone’s contributions matter. 🌸Empowerment: Empowering women isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing journey. Let’s lift each other up, mentor, and create pathways for success. 📸 Join the Movement: Why don't you share a photo of yourself making the heart sign with your hands—a universal symbol of love, compassion, and unity. Use the hashtag #InspireInclusion to spread the message far and wide. Together, we can create a world where every woman thrives.   🌍 Let’s inspire inclusion. Let’s invest in women. Happy International Women’s Day! 🌟👏 #InspireInclusion #InvestInWomen

🌟 Celebrating International Women's Day: The Power of Allyship and Inclusion 🌟 Happy International Women’s Day to all the phenomenal women making a difference in the workplace and around them, I cannot even count them. This year’s IWD topic is #InspireInclusion: this goes hand-in-hand with allyship, to create spaces that honor and celebrate the unique talents everyone brings to the table, everyday. 🌐 Strengthen Diversity: Embracing diverse perspectives is not only a moral imperative – it is a strategic advantage. In a world where collaboration is key, different voices lead to innovation and success. 👭 Amplify Voices: We all need to amplify the voices of women around us, share their achievements, highlight their expertise, and root for their success. By embracing and amplifying different perspectives, we contribute to a more inclusive culture where everyone is seen and heard. 🤝 Leadership with Heart:  Allyship is not a passive role. Proactive steps need to be taken to break down systemic barriers. We create spaces where anyone, regardless of gender, feels heard and empowered to thrive; where every voice is acknowledged and actively engaged. It's about fostering a culture of mentorship and sponsorship, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all. 🌸 Taking Action Together: Allyship and inclusion require ongoing efforts. We commit to continuously educate ourselves, challenge biases, and create workplaces where everyone has an equal chance to succeed. Together, we can build a world that is fair and supportive. At #CapgeminiSwitzerland, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone has an equal chance to succeed. Together we can #GetTheInclusiveFutureWeWant ! #IWD2024 #GetTheFutureYouWant #Women@Capgemini  Rumyana Yankova Marta Castaldi Claire Moricet Frederikke Elisabeth Brorson Justesen Lily Alemany Gersende COIGNOUX - DEMAY Elena Alarcón Carravilla Anne-Catherine Völkers Myriam Eisenmann Delphine Arvengas Mélanie Ceva Kenza Khay-ibbat Eva Hoffman Kjersti Christine Sveen Diana Herrle Palau

Celebrating women who celebrate women. This Friday is International Women’s Day. Do you know why it matters? I used to think it odd to celebrate women’s day, as if we were to celebrate ourselves. It wasn't something I grew up with nor understood fully. Coming up in tech, I saw a lot of mysogyny, politics, machismo…I got used to it and learned to play the game. What's the game? Coming out stronger. Speaking up, balancing egos, firm when necessary, communicating to multiple view points, taking criticism, and establishing authority. That's just leadership, right? Wrong. Leadership is about fine tuning how you resonate and relate with others, not how you survive. Let's think about living in a world where everyone focused on resonating and relating, however. You wouldn't need to “survive” and negotiation wouldn't be about playing your cards right at every meeting. It would be about establishing trust, speaking to different viewpoints, mutual respect, and collaboration. This is when I began to see things differently. To honor International Women’s Day is about lifting up women and helping to spread their voice. Celebrating each other and helping eachother to succeed. Removing inner competition that keeps women down and linking arm in arm. I am now a speaker for International Women’s Day and couldn't be more thrilled to share this message. This year’s theme is: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. I couldn't imagine a better theme for this year. Join me in celebrating holding space for women to lead and rise up, not just on Friday, March 8th—but everyday and every opportunity you have to bring balance to our world. If you would like to know more about me as a speaker for International Women’s Day, here is my speaker bio. https://lnkd.in/gyW3D9jB #internationalwomensday2024 #internationalwomensmonth #womenempoweringwomen #womenleaders #womenintech

✨ One of my favourite things to talk about is how to empower ourselves from the inside out and build a supportive relationship with ourselves as a strong foundation for a meaningful life. ✨ This starts with getting to know, understand and accept even the parts of us we don't like or deem a nuisance (enter the inner critic stage right). Often conceptualised as a bully or the metaphorical devil on our shoulder, the inner critic is not something to go to war with, but rather to understand and, yes, even befriend. This is made possible through the science of self-compassion which roots self-criticism in our evolutionary biology and psychology. Working with evidence-based tools to upgrade our thinking and improve our mental fitness is crucial in the digital age since stress is more prevalent and likely to give rise to our inner saboteurs. Left unchecked, our inner critic will undermine our confidence and self-efficacy, our focus, our productivity and ultimately have us playing small in life. Today, on #internationalwomensday2024 I was grateful to speak to the staff at Hostelworld Group on this very topic. Thank you Caoimhe Mc Kenna for inviting me to facilitate such an engaged and welcoming group! #workplacewellbeing #wellbeingtalks #selfcompassion #iwd2024 #womensday #inclusion #inclusivity #corporateevents