Celebrating International Women’s Day 2023 in Retail

International Women’s Day 2023 takes place this March and is set to celebrate women’s achievements and embrace equity.

Here’s everything you need to know to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023 in retail.

When is International Women’s Day 2023?

International Women’s Day is on Wednesday 8th March in 2023. It is a global day for celebration of women’s achievements around the world. This year’s mission is to help forge a gender equal world, with the hashtag #EmbraceEquity being used.

We spoke with Vandita Vaidya, Technical Manager at Oceans about the importance of organisations offering gender diversity within leadership roles.

She said: “Times are changing, and perceptions of leadership are too. It’s not about who you are and what you look like, it’s more about your capability. I want to grow, explore and challenge myself each day and be an example to all the women out there who want to work. There are organisations, like Oceans, which is part of Accrol Group, which will help and support you to fulfil your dreams.”

Deann Evans, Director of EMEA Expansion & Partnerships at Shopify added:

“Embracing equity is so important as it is the first step to equality. It means gaining a deep understanding of the reasons why people are not starting from the same place. There are factors at an individual, societal and structural level which can mean that some people have more opportunities—meaning they have privilege—whilst others face barriers. Opportunity and action can’t start until you have this understanding from which to act.

“As an individual, embracing equity in your professional life can mean choosing to work for a company that is creating opportunity. As a leader, it can mean amplifying and normalising the opportunities your company creates for equity. Actions such as normalising and celebrating parental leave for all genders can play a crucial role in this. 

“Being a digital-first company can also help to create a safe space for people to work around their needs outside of work. This is a key part of how we embrace equity at Shopify, with our Digital by Design working model. Traditional barriers to success at work – including location, physical or mental health disabilities and caring duties – no longer need to be seen as barriers when such a flexible working model exists.”

International Women’s Day in retail

International Women’s Day 2023 is being celebrated by many in the retail industry. Here, we take a look at just some of the inspirational women that we have had the pleasure of speaking with in the retail industry.

Abi Shokeye – Rich Skxn

Abi is the Founder and CEO of Rich Skxn, the only online retailer for melanin-rich skin in the UK. Having noticed a gap in the market, Abi used this as an opportunity to launch her own website and curated products, as well as offering personalised skincare advice. She has since sold products to more than 8,000 people, as well as educating a community of 35,000 people via email and social platforms.

Read our interview with Abi here.

Amelia Peckham – Cool Crutches

Amelia is the Co-Founder of Cool Crutches, a business designed to prevent the physical and mental limitations, as well as pain and discomfort caused by normal walking aids. After suffering a quad bike injury at the age of 19, Amelia was left with a spinal injury that left her permanently requiring the support of walking aids. With standard crutches causing pain and further delays in her time-sensitive rehabilitation treatment, Amelia launched Cool Crutches with the help of her mum, filling a space for practical and comfortable, yet stylish crutches and walking sticks.

Read our interview with Amelia here.

Deborah Burrows – Healthy Pet Store

Deborah is the Managing Director of Healthy Pet Store; a brand that sells online and instore and places a focus on pet nutrition. Beginning with her passion for dogs, Deborah spotted an empty retail premises and decided to open her own shop, selling raw food, as she was aware there were no local options. Deborah has worked tirelessly to establish Healthy Pet Store as a key part of the community, continuing to grow and add new additions such as home delivery.

Read our interview with Deborah here.

Paula Ortega – Whitfords

Paula is the Founder of Whitfords; a small, independent skincare brand driven by efficacy and sustainability. Paula’s work has revolved around making sure that customers don’t need to comprisimise on their values when it comes to their skin. Whitfords has introduced countless initiatives to reduce their impact on the planet, including creating FibrePods; a sustainable, multi-purpose alternative to packaging, making sure products are protected during shipping, as well as being usable after delivery.

Read our interview with Whitfords here.

Melissa Blackwood – Roller Girl Gang

Melissa is the Founder of Roller Girl Gang, a roller skate shop that has built a highly engaged community online. When Melissa struggled to find anywhere that could support her passion for roller skating, she decided to create this herself. As well as selling and hiring tried-and-tested equipment for those with a wide range of requirements, Roller Girl Gang has a ‘learn online’ section on their website and runs regular events.

Read our interview with Roller Girl Gang here.

How can retailers get involved with International Women’s Day 2023?

Getting involved with International Women’s Day 2023 can be simple. Whether you have a story of an inspirational female founder, do an interview with a female member of your team, or chat with women that visit your store about the things they like most about a brand – there are plenty of ways to get creative and support gender equality.

Learn more about International Women’s Day 2023

Click here to learn more about International Women’s Day.