Happy International Women’s Day! Today we’re spotlighting our incredible female-owned and led vendors as well as sharing some thoughts from a few of the women that run them on this year’s ‘Embrace Equity’ theme.
Neelofar Khan, founder of Zabardast
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Because currently and historically, women are and have been the underdogs so it’s important to acknowledge our wins, (especially as our achievements are often undermined, invisible or ignored), take stock of how far we’ve come and reflect on what else we need to do to progress our positions in society.
What does “Embrace Equity”, this year’s IWD theme, mean to you?
It means understanding that if women win, everyone wins. It means that helping women, celebrating them and supporting them does not come at the expense of men but rather everyone stands to gain. It means understanding that women and men may start at very different places when they enter the workforce and so treating them differently might ultimately lead to a more fair outcome.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Be brave and never stop supporting other women. We are often led to believe that there is not enough space for all of us ….. make that space! Share your platforms and be each others’ cheerleaders. Do not be obstacles for other women, instead help clear the way for them and lift them up with you.
Elizabeth Kerr, founder of EK Bakery
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day because we need to continue to strive for equality nationally and globally.
What does “Embrace Equity”, this year’s IWD theme, mean to you?
It’s important to recognise that not everyone is on the same playing field and we need to make adjustments to meet that. There are wide gaping holes across the board intersectionally and internationally. Businesses have a lot of power and individuals can have huge influence. I think it’s a duty of anyone in a privileged position to lead by example and lift others up.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
- Get started, anywhere. You can perfect and tweak along the way
- Make mistakes
- Be open to changing your mind, thoughts and direction
- Collaborate
- Reach out to individuals in a similar position to you. The support and guidance from fellow business owners has been immeasurable
Laura Mimoun, founder of Kaleido Rolls
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
To shout about discrimination, to show the world all the amazing things women are achieving
What does “Embrace Equity”, this year’s IWD theme, mean to you?
Acknowledge that it is easier for men.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
I gave birth to my 2nd baby girl the day I closed a £700K fundraising round. We can have it ALL!
Adria Wu, founder of Maple & Co
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Being a mother of 2 very young children (well, 3 if you count Maple & Co as my first), IWD is a reminder for everyone that we need to put ourselves first! As women, we CAN have it all (just not ALL at the same time). There will always be more to do on our “to-do lists”, so we need to make sure there’s always something at the top for ourselves. It’s about knowing our own worth and caring for our bodies and minds so we can be the most confident, successful and happy versions of ourselves.
What does “Embrace Equity”, this year’s IWD theme, mean to you?
We, especially my children and my team, need to understand that we are not all the same, nor should we ever try to be. For example, men are not the same as women and not all women are the same, so we need to give every individual what they need, the opportunities and the voice to be the best that they can be. Most importantly, we need to celebrate and be excited about all our differences and that’s how we can Embrace Equity!
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
You will be brave, rise up to challenges and be disruptors. It’s not going to be easy and you will not succeed every time, but it’s a good thing. Nothing in life comes easy, so remember to stand up, say no when you feel it’s right and don’t ever be the one holding yourself back!
Other Female-Owned Vendors:
- Nusa Kitchen
- The Street Easy
- Olive & Squash
- Kammoon
- Karma Cans
- Peppercorn
- Pocket Rocket
- Acai Girls
- Kolamba
- Love Candy Floss
- Dorothy’s Deli
- Kale + Coco (Dublin)
