International Womens Day with Gabby Kirk

As International Women's Day draws near, we had the opportunity to sit down with our founder, Gabby Kirk, to delve into what drives her, share her words of wisdom for women and girls aspiring to make their mark, and discuss the exciting projects on the horizon. Gabby's journey is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of women around the globe. Here's what she had to share:

1. What message would you like to share with young Women and Girls who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

I would encourage young Women and Girls to embrace their unique strengths and voices.

Never underestimate the power of your ideas and the impact you can make in the world.

Remember, the path to success is rarely linear; embrace the journey with all its challenges and opportunities for growth. Seek out communities and networks that support your growth and never be afraid to ask for help or mentorship. 

Your perspective is valuable and needed, so boldly pursue your passions and contribute to the world in ways only you can. I’m all about women supporting women. Make sure you’re surrounding yourself with the right people that will support you as it can be a lonely journey. I’m lucky I have an amazing group of inspiring women around me that uplift me everyday. 

2. What role has mentorship played in your life or career, and how do you think mentorship networks can be strengthened for women? 

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my journey, providing guidance, encouragement, and invaluable insights that shaped my career. It's through the support of mentors that I've been able to navigate challenges and seize opportunities I might otherwise have overlooked.

To strengthen mentorship networks for Women, we need to prioritise creating spaces where Women feel safe and supported to share their experiences and learn from each other.

This includes formal programs in workplaces and educational institutions, as well as informal networks that encourage cross-generational sharing of wisdom and experiences. Encouraging more women to become mentors by recognising and celebrating their contributions can also inspire others to give back. 

3. Can you discuss a project or initiative you're particularly proud of that aimed at supporting women or girls? 

The 'She Means Business' event, organised by my team and Golden Brands, stands as a testament to our commitment to empowering Women in the business world. Our vision was to create an event where inspirational women could share their journeys, challenges, and successes in business. We aimed to foster an environment of motivation, inspiration, and support—a space where women could come together, learn from each other, and leave feeling empowered to tackle their own professional endeavours.

Understanding the financial barriers that often limit access to such empowering events, we decided to make 'She Means Business' a non-profit initiative. We set the ticket prices only to cover the costs of food, drinks and mirage ensuring the event was more accessible to a wider range of women. This decision was crucial in democratising access to the invaluable insights and networking opportunities the event offered.

Our hope with 'She Means Business' was not just to hold another networking event, but to truly make a difference in the lives of women who aspire to grow and succeed in their business careers.

We wanted to send a clear message: that women are vital contributors to the business world, deserving of recognition, support, and opportunities to shine. By bringing together a diverse group of speakers and attendees, we aimed to highlight the richness of perspectives Women bring to business, encouraging collaboration, innovation, and mutual support. We hope that our 'She Means Business' event starts important conversations and builds connections that will continue to support women's growth and success in the business realm.

As we look to the future, our team and Golden Brands are motivated to continue this work, exploring new ways to support and uplift women in business. 'She Means Business' has shown us the power of community and the impact of providing a platform for women's voices in the business world. We are committed to building on this foundation, creating more opportunities for women to connect, learn, and lead in their respective fields.

4. In your view, what actions can we take to create a more inclusive and equitable world for women and girls? 

To create a more inclusive and equitable world, we must start with education and awareness. This means not only promoting gender equality but actively working to dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder women's and girls' progress. We need policies that support work-life balance, access to education, and economic opportunities for women. It's also crucial to amplify women's voices in decision-making processes across all sectors.

Additionally, we must challenge and change societal norms and stereotypes that limit what women and girls can achieve. Everyone has a role to play in this transformation, from individuals to corporations.