Coming together to champion change
International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate progress, acknowledge achievements, and drive equality. This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate action,’ highlights the power of collective efforts in advancing gender parity. At SWC Partnership, we’re proud to work with inspiring women across a huge variety of industries, who lead our client teams with drive, vision, and fortitude.
Stef Garner, our Head of Culture at SWC, says:
“When women support women, we all succeed. It’s about lifting each other up and celebrating each win as a shared success.”
We believe strong leadership isn’t about titles – it’s about passion, dedication, and creating a supportive environment where everyone thrives. All of us (male and female!) can contribute within our industries and organisations, to support gender equality. Whether it’s showing up for a female colleague spearheading a new initiative, or providing constructive feedback on a legacy policy, we can all champion positive change in our day-to-day working lives.
That’s why today, we’re spotlighting some of the incredible women at the helm of our client teams.
Meet the women driving success
We work closely with the brilliant Chiara, Monique, Fern and Valentina at Mars Petcare, on brands including Whiskas and James Wellbeloved, developing copy, design and translations that support their marketing activity in Europe. We asked them to share their thoughts on International Women’s Day, including advice for young women starting their careers. Here’s what they said…
Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Chiara, European CRM Manager: This day is particularly important for me to reflect on what we have achieved in this space. Gender equality has improved, but I feel there’s still a lot to do to erode subconscious, discriminatory mindsets that are still pervading our society, both in everyday and in business contexts. For me, this day isn’t merely a celebration, but an occasion to act and plant the seeds of a new culture to be embraced by the younger generations – so it’s extremely important to keep talking about that.
Fern, EU Content & Consumer Experience Manager: International Women’s Day to me is about recognising women from all walks of life and acknowledging their achievements and amazing role in the world.
Monique, European CRM Lead: It’s a day to champion the huge impact of women on society. Whilst we should celebrate our contributions daily, this day is dedicated to us celebrating not only ourselves but other amazing women and the work they are doing across various industries. For me this is super important and it’s wonderful to see women killing it in various areas!
Q: How do you feel Mars Petcare supports women and gender equality in your industry?
Valentina, EU Direct to Consumer eCommerce Manager: Mars Petcare does a great job supporting gender equality by having a good mix of women in different roles and levels within the company. It’s important to see women represented, and for me, seeing leaders, like my manager, who also serves as the sales director, balancing work, a team, and family is very inspiring. It’s also encouraging to see women succeeding in areas that were once mostly male-dominated, like supply chain, engineering, and finance. Mars is really working hard to create an environment where women can succeed in all parts of the business.
Chiara: I feel lucky to work in such a value-based company as Mars – its five principles are true enablers of equality, and I can see it on many levels. From having more and more women in top management roles to internal projects such as ‘Women Leading Purposefully’ focused on the topic. I’m also proud to be part of a European digital team full of inspiring and successful female leaders that excel in what they do and have key roles in highly-skilled fields like data and martech – where we’re usually under-represented.
“I feel lucky to work in such a values-based company as Mars – it’s five principles are true enablers of equality… I’m proud to be part of a team of inspiring and successful female leaders.”
Q: What advice would you give to young women starting their careers?
Monique: Show up, observe and don’t be afraid to share your input. Often we feel like imposters in certain rooms, but it is by no mistake that you are there. Your thoughts are just as important as anyone else’s. Be humble enough to learn from others, and be bold enough to make mistakes.
Valentina: Do things that seem impossible and that you feel you’re not ready for. Spoiler: You will never be fully ready!
Fern: Passion, interest, proactivity and keenness to learn can get you wherever you want to go. Don’t take no for an answer, if it’s something you really believe in and want to make happen – find a way; you have the power to build the life you want. With determination and passion, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Don’t let anyone make you doubt yourself. You can achieve what you want and believe you WILL get there.
“Do things that seem impossible and you feel you’re not ready for. Spoiler: You will never be fully ready!”
Chiara: To build a successful career takes time, so don’t rush: understand where you want to grow and build a consistent, long-term path towards it. If you don’t know which jobs work best for you, identify mentors or trusted people that can help you unlock your potential and give useful tips based on their past experiences. Knowing what you want is extremely important to drive your success! And it’s also very important to work hard, especially at the beginning, to prove your value to yourself and others – but try not to compromise your personal time. Maintaining a work-life balance has always been key for me, because cultivating myself and my passions has been crucial to keep me more motivated and creative at work. Last but not least, always be curious and embrace a learning mindset to keep you at the top of what you do!
Q: Lastly, tell us a famous woman who inspires you and why?
Fern: I find Ashley Graham really inspiring, she smashed through the beauty industry’s standards and redefined what it means to be ‘beautiful’. Her personality, wit and charm tells women you can do anything you want, and actually redefines the world in a way that is more positive and inclusive for every woman.
Monique: I can’t say there is one famous person in particular as I take inspiration from the work/life of various women. I am inspired by those who thrive in their careers while also dedicating time to their friends and family. It’s hard balancing work and life but many women, especially those who aren’t famous, do this every day and it’s an inspiration. My mom is truly my biggest inspiration and the fact that she went after her dream to go to college in her fifties is something that blows my mind whenever I think about it. She is a force!
Chiara: Dua Lipa! Apart from being a charismatic singer, I consider her as one of the most influential voices of my generation. Her editorial platform ‘Service95’ is eye-opening on the trends and news of our society, in a fresh and pop tone of voice that relates to Millennials and Gen Z. I particularly recommend her podcast, where she has insightful conversations with thought leaders and cultural icons about our contemporary world – and with her book club, she made reading sexy again! Definitely a great example of how you can use social media and online channels to positively educate and raise awareness on topics that matter.
These women exemplify what it means to lead with strength and dynamism. Their contributions inspire us daily and remind us why creating spaces where women can thrive is crucial for everyone’s success.
Our commitment to this day, 365 days a year
At SWC Partnership, we’re committed to breaking barriers and ensuring everyone has a voice. By championing women and supporting diversity, we aim to lead by example – because equality isn’t just a goal, it’s a responsibility.
As Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist reportedly once explained, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” Let’s continue celebrating and uplifting the women who inspire us. How will you accelerate action this International Women’s Day?
