International Women's Day 2025

International Women's Day is an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, honour the achievements and contributions of women, and serve as a call to action for how we break through the barriers to gender equality. We asked some of our colleagues about the challenges women still face and what their experiences have been both personally and professionally. We're proud to share feedback from these inspirational women.

In my opinion the biggest issue for women today is equality for education

In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing women today?

UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, reports that worldwide, 119 million girls are out of school. Access to education is a fundamental human right, yet in numerous countries, girls encounter barriers that obstruct their path to learning. Our equality for education feels dependant on how lucky we are to be born into our environment. Like, girls living in Afghanistan who are banned from attending secondary school.

Those of us who have a voice should use that voice to ask the bigger questions, and not to shy away from our privilege but use it to shout, equality and education for all!

How can organisations create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women?

For an organisation to be more inclusive and empowering environment, the organisation first needs to listen. Listening to the concerns that women raise and addressing them, when an organisation does this it is then trusted and trust is key.

Copy of SHARED TEMPLATE- IWD LinkedIn- GB-NP-2500024- V2 (LinkedIn Post) (1080 x 1080 px) - RMB IWD

A major issue women face today is workplace prejudice, including being overlooked, facing unequal expectations, or struggling to be heard. However, progress starts with open conversations

Can you talk about a time when you felt supported by other women in your life or career?

My mother, a dedicated nurse, has always been my role model. She balanced her demanding career while being a loving and present mother, showing me that it is possible to succeed both professionally and personally. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering support have guided me in my own journey as a working mother.

How do you navigate work-life balance as a woman?

Navigating work-life balance can be challenging, but I’m incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system from my parents and in-laws helping with childcare and my husband, my biggest supporter, encouraging me to give my best in everything I do.

I’m grateful to work at Fresenius Kabi, where the culture promotes a healthy work-life balance and supports working parents. The flexibility and understanding I’ve experienced in my role have made it easier to manage both professional responsibilities and family life. With the right support and a workplace that values its employees, I’ve been able to thrive in both aspects of my life without feeling like I have to choose one over the other.

I think that knowledge is power, and having access to information about our abilities and our rights is empowering

Can you share an experience where you felt empowered as a woman in your personal or professional life?

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I found unlimited support in a group run by the Liverpool Women's Hospital BAMBIS (Babies and Mums Breastfeeding Information and Support). I learned so much from the women in this group that allowed me to progress through pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and beyond with absolute confidence in my own abilities, being 100% informed and supported. I think that without that education and support from other mums, my experience of motherhood would have been completely different. I am proud to say that I have been able to pass that knowledge onto other new mums and support them in their journeys too- it is something I am still passionate about.

Can you talk about a time when you felt supported by other women in your life or career?

I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by amazing women who give me strength and inspiration in both my personal life and my work life. My mum has always been my rock and allows me so much freedom when it comes to childcare- I can always count on her to jump in and help whenever I need it. I'm also spoiled by female work friends who are always there to lift my spirits, offer me guidance and make me laugh. I genuinely look forward to coming into work every day and cherish their friendship. Of course, not forgetting my mum friends who give parenting advice or simply offer an understanding ear when the sleepless nights hit hard!

Copy of SHARED TEMPLATE- IWD LinkedIn- GB-NP-2500024- V2 (LinkedIn Post) (1080 x 1080 px) - Samantha IWD

Launching a Biosimilars service has been a great experience, empowered by other women

Can you share an experience where you felt empowered as a woman in your personal or professional life?

Launching Biosimilars has been a great experience empowered by other women. Working alongside Emma, Shelagh, Kerrie, Lyn, Yasmine (just to name a few!) to implement the Biosimilars therapy and maintain its success has been an incredible experience. We work together tirelessly to ensure our patients and customers are happy. We support each other, encourage improvements and celebrate each other’s/department's successes.

How do you navigate work-life balance?

Being a manager with lots of responsibilities and team members to look after, it can be very difficult to find that work-life balance. Having a supportive partner who does all the listening and cooking certainly helps! I have witnessed struggles from friends who find it difficult when working full time whilst looking after a young family. Firstly, I think it is important to acknowledge how incredible they are and secondly, where possible, managers should support their team members so that they too can find the right work-life balance for them and their family.

One of the most impactful experiences for me was having an amazing manager and a supportive colleague who offered unwavering support during my pregnancy.

Can you share an experience where you felt empowered as a woman in your personal or professional life?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and be guided by some truly remarkable women over the past few years. Each one has shown me the importance of not only striving for excellence and growth in our careers but also maintaining a healthy balance with personal life. One of the most impactful experiences for me was having an amazing manager and a supportive colleague who offered unwavering support during my pregnancy. They created a safe and encouraging environment where I could still pursue excellence while acknowledging the complexities of my personal journey. Their understanding and support meant the world to me at such a pivotal time in my life.

Can you talk about a time when you felt supported by other women in your life or career?

There was a time in my life when I faced some health challenges that required a referral to a specialist. My consultant during this period was incredibly supportive. She went above and beyond, advocating for me and ensuring my care progressed in a timely manner. While health inequalities, particularly those influenced by ethnicity, are often discussed and, in my case, personally experienced, this consultant’s dedication and commitment stood out as a powerful example of support and advocacy..

GB-NP-2500024 March 2025