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This International Women’s Day, CLOUD NINE are celebrating women and their power. We celebrate women both locally and internationally whilst working hard to raise awareness and use our platform in support of making a positive difference for women.
This International Women’s Day, CLOUD NINE are celebrating women and their power. We celebrate women both locally and internationally whilst working hard to raise awareness and use our platform in support of making a positive difference for women.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Since 1913, March 8th has been the day to celebrate women and their social, economic, cultural and political achievements globally. International Women’s Day is a call to action for women’s equality and to highlight women’s issues, be that the gender pay gap, violence against women and girls, education, health care and female leadership. The original aim of International Women’s Day was to achieve full gender equality for women around the world. But unfortunately, even in 2022, there is still a lot of work to be done.
Since 1913, March 8th has been the day to celebrate women and their social, economic, cultural and political achievements globally. International Women’s Day is a call to action for women’s equality and to highlight women’s issues, be that the gender pay gap, violence against women and girls, education, health care and female leadership. The original aim of International Women’s Day was to achieve full gender equality for women around the world. But unfortunately, even in 2022, there is still a lot of work to be done.
BREAK THE BIAS
The theme of International Women’s Day this year is #breakthebias:
“A gender equal, free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. Diverse, equitable and inclusive. Where difference is valued and celebrated”.
At CLOUD NINE the percentage of female staff is 69%, female managers is 55% and female directors is 43%. There is always work to be done when breaking the bias, however, CLOUD NINE are above the global labour force average of 47% for female workers.
The theme of International Women’s Day this year is #breakthebias:
“A gender equal, free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. Diverse, equitable and inclusive. Where difference is valued and celebrated”.
At CLOUD NINE the percentage of female staff is 69%, female managers is 55% and female directors is 43%. There is always work to be done when breaking the bias, however, CLOUD NINE are above the global labour force average of 47% for female workers.
WE POWER UP. WE DON'T PUNCH DOWN.
WE POWER UP.
WE DON'T PUNCH DOWN.
Local and International Support
International Women’s Day encourages everyone regardless of gender to support women in whatever way they can, and in doing so, collectively work together towards a fairer, safer and equal world for women. Cloud Nine have four core values one of which is inclusivity. We want to make a positive difference for women now and in the future, which is why as we grow, we also learn and want to raise women up, both locally and internationally.
International Women’s Day encourages everyone regardless of gender to support women in whatever way they can, and in doing so, collectively working together towards a fairer, safer and equal world for women. Cloud Nine have four core values one of which is inclusivity; to make a positive difference for women now and in the future, which is why as we grow, we also learn and want to raise women up, both locally and internationally.
Step on to the beach in Kerala, Southern India and you will find waste management initiative Green Worms. Green Worms is just one of a global network of specialists who our sustainability partners CleanHub work with, providing door to door waste collection services and diverting plastic waste before it makes it to landfills or beaches. The ethos of the Green Worms initiative is to create dignified jobs through the efforts of female self-help groups. By working together, we aim to achieve the sustainability goals we set for ourselves but also minimise the wider environmental impact globally and provide a platform for women from underprivileged backgrounds to gain independence for a fairer and more sustainable future.
Step on to the beach in Kerala, Southern India and you will find waste management initiative Green Worms. Green Worms is just one of a global network of specialists who our sustainability partners CleanHub work with, providing door to door waste collection services and diverting plastic waste before it makes it to landfills or beaches. The ethos of the Green Worms initiative is to create dignified jobs through the efforts of female self-help groups. By working together, we aim to achieve the sustainability goals we set for ourselves but also minimise the wider environmental impact globally and provide a platform for women from underprivileged backgrounds to gain independence for a fairer and more sustainable future.
This March 8th at our Harrogate HQ, Cloud Nine is supporting local women in business and raising money for charity Smalls for All. HG1 Bakes is a local independent bakery founded by Charlie Lowe. They will be providing us with gorgeous Cloud Nine branded cupcakes for the day and Pink Door founded by Aimee are to supply the team with with coffee, tea and hot chocolate. All proceeds raised from colleagues will be matched by Cloud Nine for our chosen charity.
This March 8th at our Harrogate HQ, Cloud Nine support local women in business. HG1 Bakes is a local independent bakery founded by Charlie Lowe. They will be providing us with Cloud Nine branded cupcakes for the day and Pink Door founded by Aimee are to supply the team with with coffee, tea and hot chocolate all while raising money for charity Smalls for All.
Smalls for All is a registered charity founded by Maria Macnamara, collecting underwear for women and girls in need in Africa and the UK. Smalls began with Maria’s volunteer trips, where she worked in orphanages. She found that there was a shortage of underwear in the poorer parts of Africa and the problems this could cause, and she wanted to help in any way she could. Smalls collects and distributes underwear to adults and children in Africa and the UK. Donations of bras and pants are being collected within our office to provide a life-changing difference to women and girls.
“Underwear is a luxury that isn’t readily available and, if it is, many people just can’t afford. Giving pants and bras might seem like a small thing, but it can make a life-changing difference.”
Women and girls without underwear are more at risk of sexual assault and teenage girls miss vital school time every month due to their period.
Smalls for All is a registered charity founded by Maria Macnamara, collecting underwear for women and girls in need in Africa and the UK. Smalls began with Maria’s volunteer trips, where she worked in orphanages. She found that there was a shortage of underwear in the poorer parts of Africa and the problems this could cause, and she wanted to help in any way she could. Smalls collects and distributes underwear to adults and children in Africa and the UK. Donations of bras and pants are being collected within our office to provide a life-changing difference to women and girls.
“Underwear is a luxury that isn’t readily available and, if it is, many people just can’t afford. Giving pants and bras might seem like a small thing, but it can make a life-changing difference.”
Women and girls without underwear are more at risk of sexual assault and teenage girls miss vital school time every month due to their period.
POWERING THE INDUSTRY
International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate women and their achievements. We wanted to highlight some of the amazing women within CLOUD NINE, who are helping to change the industry and make a positive difference to women locally and internationally.
INSPIRING WOMEN IN HAIR CARE
JO FOX
Group Sales and Marketing Director at CLOUD NINE
Q: How did you begin your career in the hair industry?
A: I joined GHD in late 2002 to head up their sales division which consisted of 20 plus distributors and to establish how GHD was being sold into the professional hair market.
Q: How do you power up for a big day?
A: For me it’s all about positive thinking and being organised for the day ahead. Looking good and being professional is also a key motivator. I take time on my appearance, because if I don’t look good then I don’t feel good.
Q: What advice would you give your 20 year old self?
A: Believe in yourself and your ability to make a difference, don’t ever doubt the influence you can have to other people.
Q: What is your proudest achievement?
A: There have been a number of moments I would say have made me feel proud both personally and professionally. However being in a my current position as Group Sales & marketing director at Cloud Nine, where you have a responsibility to ensure the success of the organisation, not only through sales but through the people I employ. Seeing people thrive and develop personally, is ultimately one of my proudest acheivements.
Sam Pettman
Business Process Director at CLOUD NINE
Q: How do you power up for a big day?
A: Preparation is key for a big day. Planning and clear objective setting promotes clarity and confidence.
It’s equally important to get a good night’s sleep, eat well and then start the day with a positive, can do attitude.
Q: What does International Women's Day mean to you and why do you think it's important to observe it?
A: Throughout my professional and personal life I’m fortunate to have never been disadvantaged or discriminated against due to my gender. We know this is not the case across the whole of society and while there have been significant improvements in women’s equality and gender parity, I believe International Women’s Day plays a key role in the work still to do and raises awareness, influences change as well as celebrates women’s achievements.
Q: What advice would you give your 20 year old self?
A: Take ownership of your own goals and work hard, play hard. Recognise the value gained from listening to and learning from others. It’s important to trust your gut and not be afraid to voice your own opinion. Remember, don’t take things personally (it’s not personal) and ask for help if you need it. Above all, be true to yourself and be kind.
Q: What makes you feel powerful?
A: Being able to influence behaviour or activity in positive way (and therefore drive change) is incredibly powerful and this increases as we offer more support to those around us and create an environment where opinions are valued. Taking ownership of what I want to achieve and not expecting others to make it happen is also incredibly empowering and provides me with clarity, focus and resilience.
Jayne lewis-orr
Executive Director at M Squared Media
Q: How did you begin your career in the hair industry?
A: I began as a junior on the Hair & Beauty Group and grasped every opportunity to learn and get involved in all aspects of the business – I knew I wanted to be a journalist and was very focused on achieving that aim.
Q: How do you power up for a big day?
A: I try to stay calm and focus on a great outcome – easier said than done on some days but for me, it is all about being prepared and planning for every eventuality – the devil is in the detail! I genuinely love what I do so you have to take each day as it comes and try and enjoy it.
Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to you and why do you think it is important to observe it?
A: It makes me reflect on the women who have had a huge influence on my life – from childhood to now - and historically how women continue to significantly contribute across every industry and area of life.
Q: What for you, is the best thing about being a woman?
A: Being a Mum – I feel incredibly lucky to have two amazing sons and I couldn’t be prouder of them – they are, without doubt, the achievement in my life that I am most proud of.
Q: Which powerful woman do you admire?
A: It would have to be my Mum – I only had her for 22 years but she has had a lasting influence on me and has given me the strength and courage to live my life as I want to live it both personally and professionally.
Internationalwomensday.com states:
“MAKE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY YOUR DAY AND DO WHAT YOU CAN TO TRULY MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE TO WOMEN.”
Our ethos is to be fiercely kind - to hair, to the environment and to you. At CLOUD NINE we are choosing to celebrate this International Women’s Day and honour the #breakthebias theme by supporting women and girls locally and internationally. We know we are not perfect, but we advocate to do our part to raise awareness and highlight global issues to support causes that encourage fairness and equality for all.