Compass Recruitment Solutions recognised International Women’s Day 2022 by speaking with a number of the team to understand what the day signifies for them; ideas for how women can support women in the workplace, and hear their advice for women starting out in recruitment.

Thank you very much to the various contributors from the collective CRS brands:

• Esmae Matthews (EM), Consultant – Compass Life Sciences
• Andra Parvu (AP), Senior Executive Researcher – Compass Executives
• Lynette Robb (LR), Senior Principal Consultant – Compass Associates
• Tiegan Ramsden (TR), Recruitment Consultant – Compass Corporate Services
• Mia Chappell (MC), Receptionist / Administrator – Compass Recruitment Solutions

 What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

EM: I believe International Women’s Day is an important day to recognise the achievements of women worldwide and to highlight the existing disparity between genders to raise an inclusive society. I don’t think it’s unreasonable as a society to look around and believe that we are at a stage that we don’t need to celebrate the achievements of women. But we only have to look at the statistics in science to see that that is not quite true. Women account for a mere 3% of Nobel Prize science category winners, and then most have been jointly awarded with male peers. Only 3 women (Marie Curie, Barbara McClintock and Dorothy Crowfoot) have been sole prize-winners. It is by illuminating female success more women than ever are in science roles and their achievements can be acknowledged and celebrated.

AP: International Women’s Day is a great time to come together as a group and reflect on achievements that bring us closer and make us stronger. I find it particularly refreshing to feel like I am part of a greater journey than just my own. Although women everywhere have faced different challenges and come from different paths in life, there is a very palpable feeling of unity on this day. More than anything, on International Women’s Day I believe all of us should take a moment to reflect on how far we have come and what makes us unique, and own and take pride in these characteristics.

LR: It’s a day to recognise, appreciate and celebrate the successes of women across the world, looking back at how far we’ve come but also looking at what improvements and changes we need to continue fighting for.

TR: A day of recognition for women of all diversities and cultures. It is a great opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come with equality in the workplace as well as economic, political, and social achievements of women and how far we have left to go.

MC: International Women’s Day gives us a chance to pause our busy lives and reflect on how far women’s rights has come and realise how much is still to come. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate all the wonderful women that make the world what it is!

How can women support women in the workplace?

EM: It is not just the responsibility of other women to be the preachers of other women’s achievements or injustices. We, as a society, need to collectively reflect and stand up as a community to raise the standard we hold ourselves to.

AP: There has been so much improvement in the support systems women have access to in the workplace and this process has been fantastic to read about and witness. To support women at all levels in the workplace, we should encourage pay transparency and equitable and meritocratic progression paths in organisations. Internal policies such as supportive maternity leave schemes, flexible work models that encourage a good work – life balance, and systems that are increasing in popularity such as better miscarriage and menopause support are all worthy of attention. In terms of day-to-day actions we can all do, I would encourage all women to not be nervous to speak up and make their voice heard, and if they have identified something they are passionate about, do not be afraid to tell the world about it.

 LR: Stand up for other women in situations where there is gender bias, celebrate each other’s achievements and be a constant source of support, kindness, encouragement and motivation.

TR: Having a supportive network, celebrating each other’s accomplishments, giving feedback, spreading encouragement and making sure our voices are heard.

MC: We as women need to take responsibility and ensure that our voices are heard and recognised within the workplace, we need to support one another to succeed and not pit ourselves against one another. We are team mates not rivals.

What advice would you give women starting out in recruitment?

EM: Be diligent, be confident and back yourself.

AP: Let your personality shine through, as being authentic is quite simply the easiest way of not only making it in recruitment, but also getting the most enjoyment out of it possible. Show up as your true self, be genuine, be honest, work hard, have fun and take pride in your work, then everything else will follow.

LR: If you’re hardworking, enthusiastic and want to do well, then absolutely go for a career in recruitment! If you seek out the support and guidance from other members of the team, ask lots of questions and try your best then you’ll be successful!

TR: Honestly, just go for it. Make use of the female network you have and celebrate each other’s small wins.

MC: To stand your ground and do what you believe is right, to have integrity and good morals and the rest will follow.

Find out more about latest news at CRS.