International Women’s Day

Happy International Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women all around the world, and with this year’s theme, “Choose to Challenge,” it’s all about taking action and calling out gender bias and inequality.

In the marketing industry, women have been making strides for years, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of female marketers. In this blog post, we want to highlight some of the amazing women who have inspired and continue to inspire us daily. 

So let’s celebrate International Women’s Day by recognising the incredible women in the marketing industry who are changing the game and shaping the future.

Emily

Who was your female role model as you were growing up?

Annika Sörenstam and Paula Creamer, are two of the best female golfers there has ever been. Mainly due to their love of pink, but I admired them doing so well in a male dominated sport. I always saw their names when I was younger growing up playing the sport, giving me hope that one day it wouldn’t be such a sexist sport. Thankfully, it’s much better now that I’m older. However, if my mum was to read this, my female role model would obviously be my mum!

Can you name a woman from history who you admire?

Rosa Parks – an incredible woman with immense courage. On a bus, in 1955 she refused to give up her seat for a white person. This sparked a huge national movement. You don’t get called “the mother of the civil rights movement” for no reason!

Name a successful woman in the world of work who inspires you?

Carrie Rose who runs Rise at Seven, one word, phenomenal. And Leanne Holder – most people won’t have heard of her, but I knew of her through my interest in modified cars and she owns and runs multiple businesses and is a genuine superwoman. She created one of, if not, the best selling car detailing subscription box then created a whole range of pink detailing products where a % of the profit goes to charity each month. This industry is incredibly male dominated, even more than the golf industry. Leanne is genuinely amazing if you’re connected with her or follow her, building her own business empire.

Kate

Who was your female role model as you were growing up?
My Nan. She was a grafter and was even working as a housekeeper cleaning and shopping for a local family in her 70’s.

Can you name a woman from history who you admire?
Kate Middleton (Princess of Wales) I admire the way she has transitioned into the Royal Family and still maintained a down to earth personality.

Name a successful woman in the world of work who inspires you?

Sara Davies British businesswoman, entrepreneur. She is the founder and owner of Crafter’s Companion, a company she started while a student at the University of York. She is proud of making a career out of doing what she loves while still managing a home and family.

Georgia

Who was your female role model as you were growing up?
My nan and mom. They have always been there for me, always pushing me to do my best and forever putting my sister and me before themselves. They both always remind me of my self worth, never to change for anyone and to never give up chasing my dreams.

Can you name a woman from history who you admire?

I would have to say Coco Chanel. She inspired women to be women, and to allow them to live comfortably and freely. Through fashion and accessories, she inspired and uplifted women, showing they could be whoever they wanted. “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”

Name a successful woman in the world of work who inspires you?
Sara Davies, the founder of Crafter’s Companion. While still studying at university she launched her successful business, which has since become a multi-million business. Sara is also the youngest entrepreneur on the panel of the hugely successful BBC series, Dragons’ Den. She is also a fierce advocate of women in business, supporting and mentoring them as they grow.

Elodie

Who was your female role model as you were growing up? 

My mum was a kind, selfless and resilient woman. The love and dedication she gave as a mother have undoubtedly been the saving grace from the hurdles that were to come for my brother and I later in life. I very much aim to be at least as good a mother as she was. She also indirectly taught me the importance of overcoming inter-generational trauma.

Can you name a woman from history who you admire? 

George Sand was a renowned French Author. She used a male pen name to access an exclusively male publishing world. She was hugely successful, wore male clothes, got divorced, had various liaisons with both men and women, stood up for women’s rights and fought against the prejudices of a conservative society. Considering this was the 1800s, what a feminist!

Name a successful woman in the world of work who inspires you?

When I was pregnant I read a book called ‘Choisissez tout’ (Have it all) by Nathalie Loiseau. She relates of her experience attending an elite school (l‘ENA) which she later became the director of, and working in high functions of the public sector which are still both predominantly male environments. She also talks about her life as a mother, of various women encounters she had and their situations which marked her life. But most of all she encourages women to aim for their dreams and not feel like they have to choose between career and family life and that they can truly have it all. I also admire the work of Anna Whitehouse with her Flex Appeal campaign supporting flexible working for everyone and resolve the imbalance in childcare responsibilities.

Hope

Who was your female role model as you were growing up? 

Growing up I admired Hermoine Granger from the Harry Potter books, as she was a strong and intelligent character. I have also always admired my Mum, as she raised me and my sisters by herself and taught us to be independent and strong willed.

Can you name a woman from history who you admire? 

I admire Paula Scher as she is considered one of ‘the most influential female graphic designers’ and her work stood out in what was once a male dominated industry. She brought about a new wave of typographical design and developed big name brands we see today, from Tiffany and Co to MoMA.

Name a successful woman in the world of work who inspires you?

Johanna Basford has been a big inspiration for me as her illustration style is unique and intricate, but also for how she created a market for something she was passionate about. She is considered the pioneer of adult colouring books and has brought much attention and success to female illustrators.

At Citizen, we are fortunate to have a team of talented, driven, and inspiring women who are making their mark in the marketing industry. We invite you to check out our Meet the Team page on our website, where you can learn more about the women behind our brand and their important roles in our success.