On International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, a year whose theme is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, it seems appropriate for our female-led and predominantly female-powered business to give the floor to the women who make up Jayva.

In this blog, discover their thoughts, feelings, experiences and aspirations of feminine issues and gender equity on this notable day of empowerment and equality of the sexes.

Our Global CEO, Nicola Moore-Miller, says:

As a female-founded company with a female CEO, at Jayva Global, we very much buy into the ‘Girl Power’ concept (thank you, Spice Girls). We also believe success is not a solo mission. In the words of John Maxwell, “One person seeking glory doesn’t accomplish much. Success is the result of people pulling together to meet common goals”.

Our workforce consists of 20 women and 10 men across 6 countries. Obviously, there’s a strong female dynamic in our company. This matriarchal culture translates into Jayva being family oriented, empathetic and caring whilst flexible about how we deliver our services to clients and structure our internal team.

In any conversation about IWD, it’s important to remember it’s still less than 100 years ago that women weren’t even allowed to vote in our country. So, let’s take stock and reflect on the women who’ve influenced and paved the way for how we live today.

While there are many inspiring female role models in my life, I have equally as many inspiring men to look up to. I’m extremely fortunate and immensely proud to be surrounded and supported by a group of AMAZING women, both personally and professionally.

With today being all about us ladies, let’s take the opportunity to recognise the female contributions to our lives, whether it be in business, personal relationships or in our communities.

I know from experience that wearing multiple hats can be very challenging at times. It’s far from easy being a mum, wife, daughter, friend, CEO, business owner, volunteer and colleague. Balancing so many plates inevitably results in the occasional smash. Similarly, sometimes the differing needs of each group of people are at opposite ends of the spectrum and, as such, there’s a tendency to feel that whatever you do, you’re failing or disappointing someone somehow.

As women, then, we can be our own worst enemies by being plagued with negative self-talk, guilt and unrealistic expectations about what’s achievable. We don’t apply the same standards to those in our circles but we still don’t give ourselves the compassion and care offered to others. In other words, we set ourselves up for failure and a general feeling of “I’m not enough”.

In the last 12 months, I’ve learnt the hard way that you cannot pour from an empty cup and investing in self-love isn’t selfish – it’s essential. Now, one of my favourite sayings is, “Self-care is not selfish. It means you’re giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you”.

Having a heavy Manchester-based presence in Jayva, the birthplace of the Suffragettes, and with my paternal grandmother (and best friend before she passed away) being born in Manchester shortly after the Suffragette movement and just two years following the right to vote being granted to women in the UK, I’m acutely aware of the efforts made by such brave and fearless women throughout history to bring about equality regardless of gender, age, race, sexuality, disability, religion or other traits and preferences.

Our UK COO, Sue Rodgers, says:

My rebel view points to two of my favourite sayings which come from fellow Mancunian female powerhouse, Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, these being “Deeds, not words” and “I would rather be a rebel than a slave”. Sadly, Emmeline died in 1928, shortly before the Equal Franchise Act was introduced, giving women the same rights to vote as men for the first time. Another of my favoured Pankhurst quotes, and one which is very relevant to our role in the legal sector, is, “We are here, not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers“.

And my softer view echoes Dolly Parton’s “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader”.

Abigail Wescott says:

When I first started working for Jayva, I was nervous but excited at the same time to start this new journey. On the wall above my computer is a whiteboard with my work email, work phone number and date written on it along with a quote saying, “There is so much potential inside of you, stirring like magic, waiting to be released”. I downloaded this quote from the internet and it’s perfect for reading every day to remind myself I can do anything. I simply love being part of the brilliant Jayva team and I can’t wait to release more magic!

Christina Jones says:

The inspiration female force in my life was my mum. She used to say ”When someone annoys you, it takes 40-something muscles to frown but only four muscles to make a fist and punch them”. Of course, she never punched anyone, at least, not that I’m aware of!

Izabelle Bunting says:

Here’s a wonderful image of self-love which is something we should all exercise:

Jacqui Bettio says:

Everything you say and do is a reflection of you.

Karina Grocott says:

More of a motivational motto, my sentiment is YOLO – you only live once. So, book that trip!

Kim Roberts says:

To quote the popular proverb, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Rosa Pelaez-Vinuela says:

I’m also fond of the quote mentioned by Sue of “I would rather be a rebel than a slave”. I like to follow the words of Benjamin Franklin, namely, “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today”. Every single woman I know conforms to this ethos.

Viona Retkowska says:

A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink. This Sir William Golding quote speaks volumes about women too:

Jennet Ingram says:

There was an article about Nadiya Hussain, the Bake Off winner, on the BBC website this week, reflecting on her childhood as a little girl with “big dreams and bold ambitions” – unrealised due to being a Muslim female in a family whose hierarchy was based on male dominance.

Now, as the mum of a 13-year-old daughter, in whom she sees the mirror image of her young self, Nadiya urges her teenager, “Let your fire always be fierce. May your purpose guide you. Be the brightest shining light”.

Myself, as the mum of two daughters, as someone with a master’s degree in women’s studies and as a woman who sees gender discrimination throughout society, I join Nadiya in her rallying call to encourage our girls to stick their “elbows out” and make space for themselves wherever they go, and keep the fire burning so we never “lose another little girl ever again”.