International Women’s Day is March 8th, celebrating women’s achievements and struggles for gender equality. We honour past women and reflect on progress made towards gender equality, with more work needed for women to thrive.
“DigitALL: Using Technology for Gender Equality” and “Embrace Equity” are International Women’s Day 2023’s themes, emphasising equity’s significance over equality. The #EmbraceEquity campaign highlights that simply providing equal opportunities to everyone is not enough. Put simply, equality = same size shoe for all while equity = shoe that fits each person’s needs. Equity allocates resources and opportunities to ensure equal outcomes for all, regardless of circumstances.
The juggling role…
Women often balance marriage, motherhood, and career, making it challenging to manage their responsibilities. Through dedication, hard work, and support, many women have been able to balance these roles and thrive. However, it’s important to recognise that not every woman has access to the same resources or opportunities. Factors such as race, socio-economic status, and access to childcare can all impact a woman’s ability to balance these roles. Advocating policies and programmes to support women is crucial for achieving their full potential.
Inspirational females in the UK world of sleep and beds!
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women in all fields, including sleep, beds, and mattresses in the UK. Here are some inspiring women who have made significant contributions to the industry:
- Jessica Alexander: 17 years as National Bed Federation’s executive director, promoting high bed industry standards in UK.
- Vicki Dawson – CEO of the UK-based Sleep Charity, which offers support and advice for those with sleep issues.
- Liz Colleran – Duvalay’s co-founder, named “Most Inspirational Woman Running a Business Trading for 10 Years or More” by Every Woman in 2022
- Hannah Shore – Silentnight’s Sleep Knowledge and Research Manager. Hannah works closely with the company’s product development team to ensure that new products are designed with the latest sleep science research in mind.
These women are just a few examples of females who have inspired change in sleep, beds, and mattresses. Promoting healthy sleep habits, quality bedding, and sustainable practices, they are making the world better, one good night’s sleep at a time.
Our Inspirational female director at Land of Beds!
Land of Beds has inspiring women who have achieved remarkable success in their professional careers. These women serve as role models and mentors, guiding others and paving the way for future generations of women. We celebrate their achievements and voices, making our workplace empowering and inclusive for everyone.
Our Director is a shining example. Caroline, a mother of two, has earned recognition as an Inspirational Business Woman for her exceptional achievements, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to excellence. Additionally, she received high commendation as the Cheshire Woman of the Year, reflecting her exceptional contributions to both the business community and the wider community.
We feel privileged to collaborate with such extraordinary women and aspire to emulate their success.
Trailblazing Women in the Workplace: An Interview with Nuala Beatty our Retail Sales Manager on International Women’s Day
Hi, I’m Nuala, the Retail Sales Manager at Land of Beds, and my role is a highly energetic one. This includes providing a motivation and supportive environment, enabling our team to achieve their sales targets, while simultaneously providing the highest quality service. Effective communication is necessary to ensure our customers are cared for, from their initial enquiry through to delivery and aftercare. Training is a fun aspect of the role; it’s rewarding watching the team grow and succeed. We constantly keep up to date on new product development and industry knowledge. We use this information to provide expert advice to ensure our customers are confident in making the right purchase.
What did you dream of doing as a little girl?
Growing up, I had a deep passion for animals and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Although I was unable to pursue that path, I found other ways to make a positive impact on the lives of animals. I volunteered at, raised funds for and supported animal welfare organisations. By embracing my strengths and interests, I was able to explore other career options that were fulfilling and meaningful to you. While becoming a veterinarian may not have been possible for me, I’ve found other ways to make a difference in the lives of animals and pursue a fulfilling career that aligns with my values.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the achievements of women, and we should be very proud. It is an opportunity to recognise the contributions and struggles of women throughout history, and to acknowledge the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality and empower women worldwide. It is a reminder of the important role that women play in shaping our world, and a celebration of their strength, resilience, and creativity.
How can we encourage women to pursue senior leadership roles?
Encouraging women to pursue senior leadership roles requires a concerted effort to address the barriers that prevent women from advancing in their careers. For me, the most important points will be creating a culture of inclusivity, mentorships, and leadership development programmes. Inclusivity by establishing policies and practices that promote diversity and equality. Providing women with mentorships to help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to advance their careers. Organisations can provide training and development programmes that provide women with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their leadership roles.
Can you recall an important piece of advice given to you?
One important piece of advice given to me early in my career was to always communicate openly with colleagues and superiors. I believe by prioritising open and honest communication in the workplace, individuals and organisations can build more productive and collaborative teams, foster a more positive work environment, and ultimately achieve better outcomes.
If you could invite any two women (dead or alive) over for dinner, who would you choose?
I would love to have dinner with Mollie Hughes to discuss her experiences climbing some of the world’s highest peaks and her work inspiring others to pursue their own adventures. Mollie Hughes is a British mountaineer who, at the age of 21, became the youngest woman to climb Mount Everest from both the north and south sides. She has also climbed many other high peaks around the world and is a motivational speaker, author, and expedition leader.
I would be honoured to have dinner with Shauna Coxsey to discuss her experiences as a pioneering woman in climbing and her work promoting diversity and inclusion in adventure sports. Shauna Coxsey: Shauna Coxsey is a British professional climber who has won multiple gold medals in bouldering at the IFSC World Cup. She has also been a vocal advocate for gender equality and inclusion in climbing and has worked to create opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to participate in the sport.
I really admire the strength, resilience, and determination it takes to achieve exceptional feats and help forge the path for the next generation of women.
Women and sleep
Sleep is vital for women’s health and well-being, although not directly related to International Women’s Day.
Women have unique sleep needs and challenges. Studies have shown that women experience more sleep disturbances than men, including difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Hormonal changes, stress, and societal pressures can all contribute to disrupted sleep patterns. Women are 40% more likely to have insomnia than men due to gender- and sex-based factors. Women’s additional responsibilities and higher insomnia rates lead to fatigue, poor cognitive function, and weakened immunity. Moreover, several health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and depression have been linked to a lack of sleep. Circadian differences make some people more prone to jet lag/shift work effects. Women on extended night shifts have a higher accident risk. Despite these challenges, many women are hesitant to seek help for their sleep problems. Raising sleep awareness and providing resources for women to improve their sleep hygiene, will mitigate issues, and improve overall wellbeing.
Sleep tips for women
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down.
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime.
- Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime.
- Limit exposure to electronics before bed.
- Consider using aromatherapy or white noise to help you relax.
- Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing chronic insomnia or other sleep disorders.
How can Land of Beds help you on International Women’s Day?
Good sleep impacts mental and physical health, productivity, and quality of life. Let our bed experts assist you in getting restful sleep. Explore high-end pillows, duvets, bedding sets, and bed and mattress brands for a rejuvenating morning.
Give our team a call today on 01928 242829 or email sales@landofbeds.co.uk. Alternatively, live chat with our bed experts or visit us in Helsby or Wigan. We guarantee free independent advice and award-winning customer service, and warmly welcome you regardless of your chosen shopping method.
We offer free UK delivery on orders >£100; track your order progress through purchase to delivery for a seamless experience.