Tomorrow, we join the world in celebrating International Women’s Day - a day dedicated to recognising the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women across all walks of life. This occasion not only honours the remarkable progress made but also reinforces the ongoing journey towards gender equality.
International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empowerment, inclusion, and equal opportunity. It is a day to amplify voices, acknowledge progress, and inspire future generations of women to break barriers and challenge norms.
At Tingdene Group, we take pride in fostering an environment where women are supported, celebrated, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
As part of this year’s celebration, we are shining a light on some of the incredible women within our Tingdene family who exemplify determination, leadership, and passion in their roles.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Alison Shone and Lilly Belsey, who share their thoughts on what International Women’s Day means to them:
Alison Shone, New Homes Executive
To me, International Women’s Day is about recognizing and appreciating the invaluable contributions women make to the world and reflecting on how far we’ve come. It’s a moment to acknowledge the progress made in women’s rights—gaining the right to vote, access to education, and leadership opportunities across industries—while also remembering why this day exists in the first place.
Having been part of Tingdene Parks for 15 years, I’ve witnessed many positive changes, and I look forward to seeing even more progress in the years ahead.
Lilly Belsey, Business Support Manager
Being invited to share my thoughts on International Women’s Day has given me a chance to reflect on what it means to me in the workplace. Since joining Tingdene in 2009, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside many women in management roles, which is refreshing and demonstrates progress towards gender equality. Although, I also believe that the voices of men in the work setting can sometimes be valued more than those of their female colleagues, while this may be difficult to acknowledge, it's important to remember the countless women around the world who have risked, and in some cases, sacrificed their lives to advocate for equality and raise awareness of discrimination. Their bravery reminds us that continuing to challenge bias and promote fairness is essential, both in and out of the workplace.
That said, I truly believe we’re moving in the right direction. I feel optimistic as I see more women being appointed to management positions and included in key decision-making processes. This progress gives me hope for an even more inclusive and balanced future.
Tomorrow is about acknowledging and honouring the achievements of the women who have advocated, and continue to advocate, for equality. I have been inspired by their efforts, and I hope that those reading this feel inspired to support their female colleagues too: amplify their voices, give credit where credit is due, be an ally, collaborate, and stand by them. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowering environment for everyone.
These inspiring words highlight the importance of recognising women’s contributions, not just on International Women’s Day but every day. Their journeys serve as a testament to the strength and dedication that drive progress in our industry and beyond.
Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, support one another, and continue working towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
Happy International Women’s Day!