International Women’s Day 2022
This years International Women’s Day Campaign Theme is: #BreakTheBias
Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women's equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
102 years ago women in the UK won the right to vote. Voly recognises the challenges women face in the world every day. The right to equality, the right to work, the right to freedom, the right to speak and be heard.
We are proud of the strong, intelligent women who make the organisation what it is today.
For International Women’s Day 2022, we asked the women of Voly what this means to them.
Kirstie Slingsby - Voly Yachting, Head of Operations
Kirstie Slingsby - Voly Yachting, Head of Operations
What does it mean to you to be an international woman in 2022?
To me being an international woman means acknowledging those that have come before me and paved the way for woman to be in leadership roles, to acknowledge my privilege to be able to do what I do as many women across the world still do not have access to the choices I do, and to support the young women around me so that they don’t even question if they are capable of something due to gender.
Is there an international woman that inspires you?
I am very fortunate to know and be inspired by so many women in this amazing industry. Jenny Matthews, founder of She of the Sea, continues to inspire me in her journey to break gender bias in the yachting industry and support and celebrate the incredible woman in traditionally male gendered roles in yachting.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
Every time I hear other women supporting each other, being each other’s cheerleaders. Woman no longer seeing each other as competitors but as supporters.
As an international woman how do you feel about the future?
International Women’s Day allows us to reflect on the great progress that has been made, but also reminds us of the long road ahead and the issues that we still face today. The last few years have seen incredible movement towards closing the pay gap and removing gender bias around roles in the workplace and I am hopeful that we will continue to work towards true equality for all international women.
“Jenny Matthews, founder of She of the Sea, continues to inspire me in her journey to break gender bias in the yachting industry…
Mary Viscomi - Voly Music, Head of Music
Mary Viscomi - Head of Music
What does it mean to you to be an international woman in 2022?
I feel really proud to have worked hard, and achieved what I have thus far. I know there are a lot of women out there who won’t have had the opportunities I’ve had in life, so I want to be sure I empower and provide opportunities to other women out there who are looking for a chance.
Is there an international woman that inspires you?
Beyonce – she’s just pretty fierce in all kinds of ways.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
Having the courage to be strong, and be heard in a world that is still dominated by men.
How do you feel about being a woman in the music industry?
I think there are lots of incredibly strong and empowering women in the music industry, which I look up to. I think the tech world is dominated mainly by men – and so I like the fact that I can make an impact and grow a division in a fin tech company.
As an international woman how do you feel about the future?
I feel positive, and excited about the small changes I can make in the industry. There is still a long way to go in terms of gender pay gaps, and expectations of a woman in the workplace particularly should they chose to have children. I do believe we are working towards closing those gaps however.
Beyonce – she’s just pretty fierce in all kinds of ways.
Tanja Jahnke - Voly Group, Project Manager
Tanja Jahnke - Voly Group, Project Manager
What does it mean to you to be an international woman in 2022?
I feel proud and privileged to be a woman in a country and era where being a strong and powerful female is, more often than not, seen as positive.
Is there an international woman that inspires you?
My Mum. She had the confidence to move to a foreign country alone to further her education and build her career. After then becoming a widow at a young age, she continued to support her family as a single parent whilst establishing herself again back in the UK. Anita Roddick is an inspirational figure for me as a successful businesswoman in the UK who paved the way for others. She founded a company focussed on products that empowered females whilst dedicating much of her life to being an activist, evidently proving she can do it all.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
I’m proud to be a woman because we are both resilient and empathic, which makes us unique.
How do you feel about being a woman in the software / yachting / or music industry?
As a woman in 2022, I am able to embrace opportunities in the male dominated technology industry. I am glad to be within a generation that is striving to change the statistics and hopefully inspiring others.
As an international woman how do you feel about the future?
I am hopeful that change is in motion but there is still a long way to go. My hope is that one day we don’t have to look at the statistics because gender equality will be the norm.
Anita Roddick is an inspirational figure for me as a successful businesswoman in the UK who paved the way for others.
Debi Bailey - Voly Group, Head of Finance
Debbie Bailey - Head of Finance
What does it mean to you to be an international woman in 2022?
I feel like every day you can make a difference even if it’s a small one. Sometimes women are underestimated but I believe times are catching onto the reality of exactly what women achieve on a daily basis.
Is there an international woman that inspires you?
My true inspiration is my mother. She taught me how to keep my resilience and stand strong against adversity. If my daughter can be half as strong as what my mother has made me I’ve done a good job.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
The ability to think globally on so many levels – a woman can be a mother, a student, a boss & can adapt to their situation and circumstances.
How do you feel about being a woman in the fintech industry?
I really love the fresh fast paced environment that the fintech industry is – everyday is a new day to learn and to adapt.
As an international woman, how do you feel about the future?
Celebrity culture is evolving - Reese Witherspoon who created the ‘Hello Sunshine’ production studio (which creates movies & shows centred on women) is forcing the narrative to change. To be able to see the difference a woman can make when they are determined to make a change – makes me feel empowered and ready.
My true inspiration is my mother. She taught me how to keep my resilience and stand strong against adversity.
Jai Walton - Voly Group, Finance
Jai Walton - Voly Group, Finance
What does it mean to you to be an international woman in 2022?
Honourable
Is there an international woman that inspires you?
Very cliché but my Mother
What makes you proud to be a woman?
The ability we have to take on many roles.
As an international woman how do you feel about the future?
Positive many stereotypes have changed.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
The ability we have to take on many roles.
Cate Crawford - Voly Yachting, Operations Manager
Cate Crawford - Voly Yachting, Operations Manager
What does it mean to you to be an international woman in 2022?
I feel proud and lucky to be able to reach for any goal or dream I imagine for myself, this wouldn’t be possible without the many great women before me fighting for our right to vote, equal pay and gender equality.
Is there an international woman that inspires you?
This is controversial and I don’t back the majority of policies she introduced but Margaret Thatcher was an inspiration to me as a child, she took on a world dominated by men and not only worked with them but led them. If Margaret can achieve this, why can’t I?
What makes you proud to be a woman?
I balance a full time job with a family, who says women can’t have it all? You have to set yourself goals and work to achieve them.
Women have a unique way of thinking and approach obstacles differently to men.
How do you feel about being a woman in the software industry?
The industry I work in is mainly male dominated so the fact that I am an Operations Manager within a software company that caters to yachting and music is a privilege but I have worked hard to get where I am and have never stopped to think I’m just a woman. I just aim to do a fantastic job.
As an international woman how do you feel about the future?
I think the future is what we make of it, the harder we work, the further we will progress. Don’t let gender stand in your way!
Margaret Thatcher was an inspiration to me as a child, she took on a world dominated by men and not only worked with them but led them.
Liz Jackson - Voly Yachting, Head of Training
Liz Jackson - Voly Yachting, Head of Training
What does it mean to you to be an international woman in 2022?
Through years of working and travelling aboard throughout my career to now be in the group of international women is testament to hard work, a can-do attitude and the willingness to achieve greatness and explore the world for all its opportunities and grasp every opportunity is thrown your way.
Is there an international woman that inspires you?
Julia Haart – she is the epitome of a woman who had the sheer tenacity to succeed.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
Being a mother, being the type of person that makes my son look at what a woman can achieve regardless of any hurdles put in her way. Educating the younger generations to know that anything and everything is possible with the right attitude and determination to succeed.
How do you feel about being a woman in the software yachting industry?
Very proud to be a female in the yachting industry and to be involved in the technology sector which is enhancing and changing the industry is a very powerful thing.
As an international woman how do you feel about the future?
I think we have to support and encourage women to develop and grow in any professional arena and especially in a male dominated industry. It fills me with hope that together we are stronger.
Julia Haart – she is the epitome of a woman who had the sheer tenacity to succeed.
Amelia Francis-Hill - Voly Group, Executive Assistance to Group CEO
Amelia Francis-Hill - Voly Group, Executive Assistance to Group CEO
What does it mean to you to be an international woman in 2022?
I think for many, the answer to this in 2022 will be very different to what it used to be which is very refreshing to see/hear as it shows we are making progress. As women across the globe, we really have come so far and that makes me feel proud to be an international woman. The unity we have as a gender has given me hope for the future and our younger generations! Today is a day to remind us that with all we have done together, albeit there’s still more to do, we must continue to acknowledge and honour the importance of the contributions of women so that young girls around the world see examples of role models that look like them so that they know there is hope, a path forward and ultimately they can achieve anything if they put their mind to it!
Is there an international woman that inspires you?
Two people who inspired me in my personal life are my Mum and Nanna. What I really admire is their enthusiasm for life, willingness and unlimited kindness no matter the situation. For my mum, I am extremely grateful for being her daughter, and I cannot thank her enough for everything she has done for me. Maybe, by following her example in both my personal and professional life, I can pay back what she has done for me. At least that’s what I aspire to.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
I am proud to be a woman because we are fearless, the female bond is so strong when women support women incredible things can happen.
As an international woman how do you feel about the future?
The women of this decade have finally smashed barriers that the women of the past worked tirelessly to break, I do feel as though we still have a little more to do but the progress that has been made over the years is super positive and reassuring that we will eventually get to a point of full gender equality in both personal and work environments and BREAK THE STIGMA!!
Two people who inspired me in my personal life are my Mum and Nanna. What I really admire is their enthusiasm for life, willingness and unlimited kindness no matter the situation.
Angela Delaney - Voly Group, Marketing Manager
Angela Delaney - Voly Group, Marketing Manager
What does it mean to you to be an international woman in 2022?
I feel extremely proud to be an international woman in 2022. Let’s not forget that we are here today because women of past generations over hundreds of years have fought hard and some lost their lives for what they believed in. Women have come a long way, we should take stock and look positively on what women have achieved over the centuries.
Is there an international woman that inspires you?
Lots of women inspire me in many ways. But the person who makes me most proud to be a woman is Serena Williams. She is a powerhouse of “Strength, determination and resiliance”. Not just that she embraces her femininity as a strong woman.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
Being able to adapt in many situations. I am proud that we can be technical, business-minded as well as sensitive, nurturing and caring. That’s what makes us unique. We can be so many different things at the same time.
How do you feel about being a woman in the software industry?
It’s fantastic to work in an industry that challenges me every day, I work with some of the smartest people I’ve ever met, who appreciate me for the work that I do no matter what my gender is.
As an international woman how do you feel about the future?
I am hopeful and inspired for the future of women. 100 years ago being a mixed race woman in the U.K, it’s highly likely that I’d have been a servant. I hope change continues to evolve and women have full equality without bias in every country across the globe.
Serena Williams. She is a powerhouse of “Strength, determination and resilience”
Amandine Hubau - Voly Yachting, Training Manager
Amandine Hubau - Voly Yachting, Training Manager
What does it mean to you to be an international woman in 2022?
Being an international woman in 2022 is having the right to achieve your goals and make your dreams reality, being given the same opportunities as men, being accepted whatever you decide to do. I feel privileged to be a woman living in an environment that celebrates women and work toward gender quality – and I wish every woman in this world had the same privilege.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
We are badass! Very often managing several things at the same time, multitasking, we have a different approach than men in anything we do – bringing more diversity
How do you feel about being a woman in the software and yachting industry?
There’s still a lot of gender inequality in the yachting industry. The yachting industry and software industry is very male dominated. Where are the female captains? And the male chief stews? However, it is great to feel respected and listened to, whether you’re a man or a woman.
As an international woman how do you feel about the future? There’s still some work to do before we achieve more equality, but it feels we’re going in the right direction. Women from previous generations have fought and worked so hard to get to where we are. It’s inspiring. I still feel women need to work harder to get to the same place as men, so we need to keep working on it.
We are badass! Very often managing several things at the same time…
Sarah Stokes - Voly Yachting, Client Relationship Manager
Sarah Stokes - Voly Yachting, Client Relationship Manager
Is there an international woman that inspires you?
Michelle Obama – she continues to break the antiquated stereotypes associated with women. She could’ve settled with just being the first lady but she continues to show that she is more than her sex.
How do you feel about being a woman in the software and yachting industry?
Extremely privileged, like I’m making history.
Michelle Obama – she continues to break the antiquated stereotypes associated with women.
Shirleen Kneppers - Voly Group, Software Developer
Shirleen Kneppers - Voly Group, PHP Developer
What does it mean to you to be an international woman in 2022?
We all have a duty.
Is there an international woman that inspires you?
The woman that inspires me is Ada Lovelace, she invented programming in 1843. A time when woman where considered to be unimportant and not intelligent. But this didn’t stop her.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
I am proud of what we have accomplished. All the engineer woman who came before me and all the history of women not giving up on what they want to achieve.
How do you feel about being a woman in the software industry?
It’s not always easy being a woman in the software industry. We not always taken seriously. I do however believe in the last few years this has changed dramatically and that now the industry is starting to take us more seriously and starting to see our potential and what we can bring to the table.
As an international woman how do you feel about the future?
I believe we will still have battles to win and have much more work to do toward equality. Because it’s not just our fight but every different individual who is different than the norm. I believe everyone has a place and that social standards needs to adjust to fit us all in.
The woman that inspires me is Ada Lovelace she invented programming in 1843.