International Women’s Day is a global civil awareness day, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. (Or just because they work hard and we love them.) We celebrate this day on the 8th of March every year.
This is an important day to celebrate for a number of reasons, showing our appreciation for the women in our lives and celebrating their achievements. Acknowledging International Womens Day will also help raise awareness of gender inequality and bring people’s attention to the need for gender parity.
International Womens Day usually has a different yearly theme, this year’s theme is “Break the Bias.” Unfortunately, bias in the workplace, in politics and even in social situations is common, and it can prevent women from moving forward in their careers or personal lives and hold them back.
The History of International Women’s Day
Throughout history, women have taken it on themselves to fight for their rights, make their voices heard. In 1908, 15,000 women marched in NYC to demand better pay, less hours and improved working conditions. This wasn’t classed as international women’s day, but widely accepted as one of the first female led demonstrations that lead to IWD.
In 1910, Clara Zetkin, Leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany proposed that once year in every country, there should be a day set aside for women to press for their demands. Whether from their employers, their government or generally from society. This idea was met with almost unanimous approval and thus, International Women’s Day was born.
The following year, the day was honoured for the first time, and while this was a huge step in the fight for equality for all, there was still a long way to go.
By 1975, the United Nations officially celebrated International Womens Day, and all member states participated with rallys and marches in solidarity and celebration. Just over two decades later, the UN announced the first themed IWD, which was “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future”. Themed IWD’s would continue until the present day, the idea was to bring specific ideas around women’s equality into the limelight. Themes would give event campaigners something to focus on in the lead up to the day.
In 2011, on the 100 year anniversary of International Womens Day, President Barack Obama named March as “Womens History Month” and called on American citizens to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Women. It is with support of those in high up positions, like President Obama and his counterparts from other countries, that the true issues faced by the everyday woman can be rectified.
In 2022, it’s clear to see we have come a long way since the first IWD in 1911. However, there is still a long way to go.
The Women of Totally Branded
What better way to acknowledge this day and celebrate the women in our lives than by telling you about the women at Totally Branded, who they are as individuals and what they do here.
Dianne
Dianne came to Totally Branded in 2018, and since starting here has worked in a variety of roles across the company. From Sales Account Manager to working within our embroidery team, she has just recently transferred into our accounts department. Always on the go, Dianne is busy sorting out all of our paperwork, invoices and anything else you can think of finance related. Dianne moved with her family and Totally Branded from Essex to Norfolk; where they are working on expanding the business and renovating and decorating their new house. When she’s not working, Dianne enjoys gardening, shopping and cleaning.
Charlotte
Charlotte started here at Totally Branded back in June 2020, working as an account manager. (This means she’s one of the lovely people you speak to on the phone if you call us.) Charlotte’s role involves handling of customer enquiries about our merchandise and managing your orders. Charlotte recently became a homeowner, where she gets to raise her adorable French Bulldog, Ralph. Before she came to us at Totally Branded, she worked in a solicitor’s doing conveyancing. When she’s not working, Charlotte likes to spend time with her family and friends.
Ella
Ella started at Totally Branded in August 2021, she began within our sales team but moved into production where she found she was able to be more creative and energetic. In production, she does a little bit of everything, from printing mugs, coasters and t-shirts to expertly packing your orders. Most importantly Ella keeps the morale of the other staff high, even on our busiest days. Before starting at Totally Branded, Ella studied Health and Social care at The College of West Anglia in Kings Lynn. When she’s not at work, Ella likes to meet up with her friends, go to concerts, festivals, clubs and generally celebrate life.
Lucy
Lucy started at Totally Branded in January 2022 within our Embroidery team. She has since worked on thousands of on embroidered clothing orders since then. Orders that need embroidering are completed by Lucy; then shipped to you. Before starting with us, Lucy completed a Fashion Textiles Design degree at De Montfort University, in Leicester. (No wonder Lucy is the master of the embroidery machine!) When she’s not at work Lucy likes to go on adventures, walking or hiking and generally loves being in nature.
Zoe
Zoe works within our DTG Print team, and the most recent member of the team here at Totally Branded! DTG means “direct to garment”, so the machine Zoe operates machinery which prints your logos and designs directly to tote bags; t-shirts and a variety of other fabric products. Before starting with us at Totally Branded Zoe was in further education studying music and business. When she’s not hard at work, Zoe plays the drums and takes care of her house plants.
Flo
I started at Totally Branded in early February this year, and I love being part of the team! I’m a Content Marketing Executive which means I write content for our website, including our blog! (Now you know who’s been writing the blogs!) Before I started at Totally Branded, I was finishing off my Master’s degree at Cambridge School of Art. When I’m not writing blogs, I like to draw and paint, and I also volunteer at the local community centre.
Happy International Women’s Day!
We’d like to wish all the women we know, personally or professionally a very happy International Women’s Day! We hope that you’ll join us in celebrating each other, today and every day.