International Women’s Day: Celebrating Equality – No Exceptions.

At Azesta, we believe in equality. Not just for women, but for everyone. No exceptions.

Today, on International Women’s Day, we pause to reflect. Progress has been made, but there is still work to do. Change happens when people stand up, support each other, and challenge what’s unfair. We asked our team to share moments when someone ensured that equality wasn’t just a word but an action. Their stories speak for themselves.

Breaking Barriers in the Workplace
Judith started working in the Civil Service in the 1980s, when there were no female managers. At first, she didn’t notice - it was simply the way things were. But over time, things changed. More women stepped into leadership and became role models. Seeing them transformed perspectives. It wasn’t about gender; it was about ability. Judith still carries that inspiration with her today.

Women Supporting Women
Chloe sees this every week in her community group. One woman’s love for crochet turned into something bigger - thanks to the encouragement of others, she went from enjoying a hobby to selling at market stalls, and eventually to running a successful online business. Support matters. A kind word, a shared idea - these small acts can change someone’s future.

Representation Matters
Shirley’s daughter, Hallie, has always loved maths and science. She took part in STEM activities at school, but it wasn’t until she shadowed a young female surgeon, Dr Danielle Mortimer, that she truly saw herself in that world. That experience made all the difference. Now, she knows exactly where she wants to go. Seeing someone like you succeed makes the path ahead feel possible.

The Changing Workplace
Angela, now in her 60’s, remembers a time when things were very different. Male bosses could make inappropriate comments. Job interviewers would ask women how they planned to manage childcare. Thankfully, much of that has changed. But Angela reminds us that progress also means looking inward. Are we truly inclusive? Are we ensuring that everyone feels valued? These are the questions we should keep asking.

Standing Together
Hayley’s experience shows that challenges don’t always come from where we expect. When she was pregnant with her second child, her struggles didn’t come from male colleagues - they came from a female manager. It was a shock. But support came from all directions, from both men and women. Eventually, fairness won out, but it was a tough lesson: true allies aren’t defined by gender. They are defined by their actions.

Equality: For Everyone
These stories remind us that equality isn’t just about women - it’s about all of us. It benefits women, men, and non-binary people alike. When we lift each other up, we create a world where everyone has the same opportunities to thrive.

At Azesta, we believe in kindness and fairness. We want to build a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued - not just today, but every day. Because equality should never be up for debate.