“Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change”
Friday the 8th of March was International Women’s Day so we hope you and your male friends did something, however small, to celebrate with people across the world. This year’s campaign theme was #BalanceforBetter where women’s achievements were celebrated and awareness against bias was raised. It’s good to see action being taken towards a society that is gender equal. This requires support for both men and women, where the needs of both genders are addressed and all individuals, qualities and abilities are seen through the same lens.
It comes as no surprise that The Duchess of Sussex had big plans for International Women’s day, having spoken out on behalf of women in the past. She previously stated, “May we empower each other to carry out such vision – because it isn’t enough to simply talk about equality” and continues to use her voice to inspire and empower women.
This year, The Duchess of Sussex joined a panel to celebrate the day at King’s College London alongside Anne McElvoy, Annie Lennox, Adwoa Aboah and Julia Gillard. Conversation shifted from the obstacles women face when it comes to empowerment, to issues on employment and education and the limitations and accessibility surrounding these.
Nineteenth century men are not known for their progressive views on female equality so I remember hearing, with some surprise, that the older Longstaff Longstaff girls were taken on climbing expeditions in the Alps and Himalaya with their father. They proved to be excellent climbers and companions and hopefully their abilities challenged the perceptions of those around them at the time.
The power of choice and for that choice to be valued by society, is something we feel passionately about here. Whether your goal is to be a mother who stays at home or a fighter pilot, it should be respected and valued. One of the reasons we like using our London based production studio is that it is owned and run by women. Pattern cutters and seamstresses are often side-lined in the glamorous side of fashion when it’s their talents and skills that make the garments shine. It is important for our brand that both genders are on an equal footing and it is refreshing to see so much female creativity in an industry that is often fronted by men.
Everyone has a role to play in the movement and it doesn’t end on International Women’s Day. An equal balance is essential in driving a better world and this should be reinforced all year round as we head into a brighter future.
