International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The celebration also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity, with activity witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements and rally for women’s equality.

This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, promoting a world of gender equality and an environment that nurtures diversity and inclusivity.

As part of these celebrations, Health Innovation Manchester has spoken with several women from across the organisation, all who share their experiences and thoughts on working as part of Greater Manchester’s local health and care system in this blog.

Through this, Health Innovation Manchester aims to celebrate the achievements of women across the organisation, increase visibility, and empower women’s choices across the health and care system.

Dr Paula Bennett, Chief Nurse / CNIO at Health Innovation Manchester, said: “I always knew I wanted to be a nurse having been influenced, as a child, by an aunt and older cousin who were both nurses. As a first-year student nurse I had a placement on a children’s surgical ward and loved every minute of it. This is where I felt I wanted to work as a registered nurse until I had an A&E placement as a final year student.

“Now I had really found my niche and could care for children as well as adults. I loved the pace, variety, and unpredictability of not knowing what the day will hold. Working in a big clinical team to manage the care of multiple patients was always very fulfilling and a privilege to support patients and families through what might be their darkest hours.

“I’ve had a 26-year clinical career in emergency nursing, caring for both adult and children before I joined Health Innovation Manchester 5 years ago. I have always been driven by finding better ways to deliver care that is safer, easier for staff and better for patients and families. My work at Health Innovation Manchester is still guided by those principles as we work to support the delivery of innovations across Greater Manchester.”

Lucy Williams, Communications Manager at Health Innovation Manchester, said: “Working in NHS communications has given me the opportunity to interview and write about some of the inspiring women working in all aspects of healthcare, including those at the forefront of research and innovation.

“With women making up such a huge majority of the NHS workforce, around 77%, it is important to tell their stories to celebrate the contributions and commitments women make to health and care every single day.”

Sam Wilkinson, Marketing Officer at Health Innovation Manchester, said: “Since working in the NHS I have had the pleasure to work alongside so many amazing people and some inspiring women including colleagues and patient representatives on our projects. They have incredible stories to tell and have a great involvement in our work and always make a huge difference with their contributions.”

Ellie Thorpe, Communications Assistant at Health Innovation Manchester, said: “Working within the NHS during the Pandemic has highlighted how paramount communicating correct information is, not only to those that access NHS Services but to staff and stakeholders alike.

“I am proud to make up one of those voices as a female working in NHS Communications and I will always strive to use my voice to ensure any person who requires healthcare services can access correct & coherent information regardless of their gender or personal circumstance.”