International Women’s Day is a reminder that though we have come far, we must stay determined to continue to strive for women’s rights, equality and empowerment around the world. 

This year the theme is “Accelerate Action”, urging us to take bold steps towards achieving gender equality for all women. 

At Yorkshire Building Society, we’ve made great progress and we’re ambitious about going further, because we recognise we have more to do. 

One of the many things that attracted me to my role here was the Society’s strong women leaders, including chief executive Susan Allen and chair Annemarie Durbin. 

In fact, nearly half of our senior roles are filled by women, and 60 per cent of our Board are women. 

We have set ambitions to improve representation further over the next few years, by building a sense of belonging and creating opportunities for all colleagues to progress. 

Yorkshire Building Society appreciates the different beliefs, ethnicities, ages and backgrounds of its colleagues – just like the diverse communities we serve – and we’re doing all we can to create an organisation where everyone feels valued, empowered and supported. 

On a practical level, our flexible working culture helps colleagues achieve balance between their work and personal lives. We’re one of Working Families’ Top 30 Family-Friendly Employers. 

We’ve signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge, introduced menopause champions and held menopause cafés and training. 

We offer paid leave for fertility treatment, neo-natal intensive care and caring responsibilities. We know that baby loss is incredibly painful, and that colleagues who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth should be supported as they grieve with bereavement leave.  

We have several colleague networks – including our women’s network and parent and carers’ network – that work with our People team to drive forward positive change. They have been at the heart of many improvements and I’m proud to work for an organisation that gives its colleagues a voice and has leaders willing to champion their cause. 

We are all influenced and inspired by the people around us, and during my personal and professional journey I have had the privilege to work for and alongside some incredible women. 

What sets apart these women in my life is that they relentlessly champion others and continuously advocate for equality and empowerment. They foster an environment of openness and encouragement, while inspiring those around them to embrace their authentic selves. 

This unwavering commitment to authenticity means they are not emulating others or trying to conform to societal expectations. Instead, they lead with their true selves, showcasing their strengths and perspectives. Vulnerability is a source of strength, creating a safe space for others to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.  

These colleagues have embodied the essence of leadership through their genuine approach, demonstrating that leadership lies in being real and relatable. They encourage collaboration, celebrate diversity, and lift up those around them, making a profound impact on workplace culture. 

As well as my role at Yorkshire Building Society, I am honoured to be part of an incredible charity, Smart Works, which has a clear and impactful purpose; to help women gain the confidence and skills they need to secure employment. I am lucky to work with a team of extraordinary women in the relentless pursuit of helping other women transform their lives and inspiring a new generation to embrace their individuality and be fierce with their aspirations. 

Women, and their allies, must continue to support, champion and inspire others. We have made huge strides in recent decades but in all aspects of life – perhaps especially in traditionally male-majority industries, like financial services – we should always aspire to go further and do more.  

While I am extremely proud to be part of an organisation where both the CEO and Chair are women, I look forward to the day it is unremarkable. Until then, let’s celebrate women role models and do everything we can to remove barriers to progress and help all women realise their potential.  

Find out more:

Yorkshire Building Society

International Women's Day