International Women’s Day is marked annually on the 8th of March. It is a key point in marking the women’s rights movement and celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Find out what International Women’s Day means to some our colleagues at Cromwell Hospital.
Deborah Iovine, Housekeeping Assistant Manager
What do you enjoy most about your job at Cromwell Hospital?
I always enjoyed working with people from all over the world, because that meant learning different cultures and traditions. The hospital is a melting pot of diversity and cultures, I learn something new every day, and I like that.
I also love that my job makes a difference to the patient’s experience instead of just making someone rich, like when I was working in hotels.
What woman has positively impacted you in your career? What’s one lesson she has taught you?
I once had a Housekeeping Manager that taught me to “stop-cool down -start again” when things got tough. My job, she said, was essential but also dispensable. That comment put things into perspective.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
IWD is the occasion to celebrate women achievements in all areas and to show support to all the women in our life. Growing up in the south of Italy the 8th of March was the only day where women were allowed to go out for the evening with their friends and without their husbands. The feminist in me rebelled against such a custom and I am happy that today women finally have rights to a different life that is not always linked to husband and kids. Accordingly, on this day I celebrate myself and all the good things that I have achieved during the last year, while also celebrating all the women in my life.
What is your proudest achievement whilst working at Cromwell Hospital?
I have studied for my Bupa Apprenticeship Leadership and Management course during the pandemic and achieved a distinction pass which I did not expect, so I am very proud of myself.
Ulla Westhuizen, Team Leader Theatres
What do you enjoy most about your job at Cromwell Hospital?
One of the reasons I like to work at Cromwell Hospital is the varied tasks in my workday. I get on very well with my team and we support each other.
What woman has positively impacted you in your career? What’s one lesson she has taught you?
My grandmother was a very independent lady. She was encouraged by her mother to seek education and passed this on to my mother and aunts and then later onto me and my cousins. She was a very wise woman with catchphrases that are still valid today, not only encouraging us to work hard, be accepting of others and to recognise that people may be fighting silent battles. This was living in 1980 when there was not much discussion of mental health issues or LGBTQIA+.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Woman’s Day for me means that we can make a difference for all women in the world, and this should not only be one day of the year but continuous effort for advance women health and education to mention a few.
What is your proudest achievement whilst working at Cromwell Hospital?
My greatest achievement for me is when my team achieves their goals and makes a difference in the workplace.
Priscilla Mahendran, Head of Consultant Engagement
What do you enjoy most about your job at Cromwell Hospital?
Working with the best team who are genuinely passionate about their roles and making Cromwell Hospital the first choice for our patients and consultants.
What woman has positively impacted you in your career? What’s one lesson she has taught you?
My first job after graduating was in the NHS as a radiographer. One of my superintendents was an amazing mentor and really left an impact on me which has remained over 5 years later. Not only did she excel in her job, but she invested in my development and wellbeing. She demonstrated what it was like to be a true leader and not just a manager.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
My husband would joke that I think every day is International Priscilla’s Day, but I think today is a day where we can appreciate the milestones accomplished by the generations before us to allow us as women to have the opportunities accessible to us. It’s a day to show some extra recognition to all the wonderful women in our network and personal lives and remember that success does not have one face.
How we support diversity and inclusion
At Cromwell Hospital, we’re committed to creating a culture which celebrates our difference and want to encourage and support inclusion across all areas of the business. We have a range of events planned this week to celebrate International Women’s Day and promote diversity and inclusion.