International Women’s Day 2025: For ALL women and girls

The United Nations’ theme this year is ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,’[1] and while there are many events taking place on a global scale, STEM Talent Recruiter, STR Group, took the opportunity to be part of local event, ‘Inspiring the Next Generation of Women & Girls in Portsmouth’ held at the Portsmouth Mariott.

Bringing together a community of incredible women, the event was designed to inspire the next generation of women and girls to pursue their dreams in whatever their chosen field may be, particularly those historically dominated by men. Hosted by Becky Lodge of Desk2Educate, Top 100 UK Tech Leader, the panel included Amanda Martin MP, Donna Jones Police and Crime Commissioner for IOW & Hampshire, Paula Falck of The Girls Network, Tammy Markley Chartered FCIPD and Marriott Cluster HR Director, and our very own Hollie Smith, Operations Director of Navis Consulting and Founder of Boatbuilding News, alongside our EDI ambassador Livvy Breen, multiple award and medal-winning para-athlete.

These women are all successful, trailblazing leaders in industries where women have traditionally been underrepresented, if not actively held back, so it was fascinating for the 150+ attendees of women, girls and allies to hear their inspiring stories about breaking down barriers throughout their careers.

We proud of, grateful for and inspired by our own team of incredible women leaders, so also took this day as an opportunity to hear their thoughts on their own journeys and the importance of IWD.

“My key accomplishment is becoming a mother…twice! When my children were younger, it always felt like a juggling of two roles; being a mother and having a career but as they have grown, I have realised they are two sides of the same coin.  Both nurture my soul and give me the courage to rise to the next challenge.

My role with STR has challenged me from the day I stepped through the door.  It has offered me opportunity and encouraged me to be brave. It has also reminded me of the importance of championing other women in their journey; to remind them that whilst they carry endless guilt about not being able to make every school play or being the last one to the playground, they create role models for their children to aspire to. I am so proud of the young men my children have become and in a very beautiful Christmas card from my eldest son not so long ago, apparently, I have earned their pride in return; I cried!”

“My mum was a true inspiration to me, she was smart, caring and worked incredibly hard for her family and business. One of the key moments in my career was becoming one of the first females (along with Emma Rees) to be appointed to the Board of Directors at STR. It’s very important to support International Women’s Day as it recognises the contribution of women, and sends a message to future generations that girls deserve the same opportunities as boys and it encourages our male allies to support fairness and respect for all.”

“My key accomplishments centre around successfully balancing multiple demanding roles. As a mother to a one-year-old and a five-year-old, I’ve navigated the challenges of parenting while serving as a director for a large, expanding brand. Our focus is on international growth, developing specialisms, and strengthening our client portfolio — all in a highly competitive market.

In addition, I’m close to completing my MBA, having even dedicated a year of study to it while on maternity leave. The final step is completing the CMI component. It’s undoubtedly a busy and challenging time, but my priorities remain clear: my family and the success of the brand. For me, failure simply isn’t an option. STR has been incredibly supportive, giving me the flexibility to dedicate the necessary time to completing my course. They also enabled me to have a phased return to work, which made the transition back into the workplace much smoother.

Additionally, STR offers an excellent maternity package, including 10 extra days for childcare – an invaluable help when dealing with sickness and unexpected needs. Parents also benefit from a reduced working week, being able to work three hours less while still receiving full pay. This makes a huge difference in allowing more time for family, especially during dinner and bedtime routines.

Every year, the question arises: “When is Men’s Day?” But International Women’s Day isn’t about comparison – it’s about recognition. It’s a moment to pause and appreciate the incredible mental, physical, and emotional load that many women carry every single day. For many, the day has already begun long before arriving at work – getting themselves ready, preparing the kids, navigating the school run or nursery drop-off, and then stepping into their professional roles, often on little sleep. Beyond work, there’s the commitment to staying active, expanding knowledge through reading or podcasts, nurturing friendships, caring for pets, maintaining a home, cooking healthy meals, and navigating life’s unique challenges, from fertility struggles to menopause. This isn’t to say that men don’t face similar pressures – this is inclusive to all. But International Women’s Day is simply a chance to pause, acknowledge, and support one another. A small moment of encouragement, appreciation, or solidarity can go a long way. Because sometimes, that’s all we really need.

Our women at STR really are inspirational. Not only approachable and supportive, but always willing to help and go the extra mile to get things done. STR fosters an environment that prioritises flexibility, training and support where needed, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. What’s truly inspiring is the way women here lift each other up – offering guidance, sharing knowledge, and celebrating one another’s successes. The sense of community and encouragement makes a real difference in both personal and professional growth.”

“One of my biggest achievements has been driving business development across urban and expanding our presence in the architecture and interior design sectors across the US. I’ve built strong relationships with top firms, secured key partnerships, and opened new opportunities that have helped elevate our brand. Seeing the direct impact of my work – bringing in high-value clients, expanding our market reach, and creating more opportunities for the team – has been incredibly rewarding.

STR has given me the platform to focus on what I do best – building relationships, growing our business, and positioning urban as the go-to recruitment partner in our industry. The backing I’ve had has allowed me to push into new markets, refine our strategy, and ensure that our team has a strong pipeline of work, which ultimately benefits everyone. Having that support means I can focus on making an impact where it really matters.

International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on progress and push for more. In the industries I work with, women are still underrepresented in leadership roles, and change doesn’t happen without action. It’s important to keep breaking barriers, showing what’s possible, and making sure that talent – not gender – determines success. This day is about championing the women who are already leading the way and creating space for the next generation to thrive.

I’m constantly inspired by the incredible women I work with – clients, candidates and colleagues – who are making an impact in their fields. Seeing how they navigate challenges, push boundaries, and drive success motivates me to do the same. But my biggest inspiration is my daughter. She reminds me why it’s so important to create a world where women have every opportunity to succeed, and I want to show her that with hard work and confidence, there are no limits.”

“Honestly, juggling a career in a male-dominated industry while raising three daughters feels like a pretty big achievement all on its own! Recruitment in maritime hasn’t always been the easiest path, but I’ve worked hard to build credibility, lead teams, and make a real impact. I’m also really proud of the platform I’ve built on social media – I try not to underestimate the impact and influence I can have on there. It’s given me a space to share insights, connect with others, and hopefully inspire more women to step into this industry with confidence.

Celebrating International Women’s Day is so important! It’s not just about posting something on social media and calling it a day. This needs to be more than a tick box. It’s about recognising how far we’ve come, but also being real about the challenges that still exist. We can’t change things over night, but we can make progress. In male-dominated industries like ours, visibility is everything. We need to celebrate the wins, highlight the incredible women in our sector, and keep pushing for actual change. Plus, it’s a great excuse to bring people together, share stories, and inspire the next generation.

My biggest inspiration are my daughters, 100%. Everything I do – whether it’s leading my team, championing women in the industry, or just showing up every day – it’s with them in mind. I want them to grow up knowing they can do whatever they set their minds to, without feeling like they have to fight for it just because they’re girls. They keep me motivated to push boundaries and create a workplace (and a world!) where they’ll never feel like they don’t belong or can’t do something they want to.”

Are you motivated or inspired by these stories? Come and work for a company that values equally what everyone brings to the table, encourages ambition and will support you all the way! Contact our Talent team today to find out more about the opportunities available with STR Group.