International Women’s Day: Honouring Women’s Rights & Equality

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the achievements, resilience, and ongoing efforts of women across every walk of life. It is a global celebration of the achievements of women throughout history and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve true gender equality. For how many years, this day has been a rallying point for change, bringing attention to issues like equal pay, access to education, and representation in leadership.

Every year on 8 March, women all over the world are recognised for their contributions to society, whether they work in care, business, education, or anywhere else. This day is an opportunity for you to learn more about how women are shaping our communities, and to find out why supporting their rights and equality matters to everyone.

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on 8 March. It began in the early 1900s, a time of dramatic social change and industrial growth across Europe and North America. Women started organising rallies, strikes, and discussions to advocate for better wages, safer working conditions, and basic rights such as voting.

Over the decades, IWD has expanded around the globe. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognised it, calling for a day to celebrate women’s accomplishments and urge accelerated gender parity. Although huge strides have been made, many issues persist. For example, women still face pay gaps, caregiving burdens, and limited representation in leadership. IWD belongs to everyone who believes in fairness and hopes to see a future free of discrimination.

Today, International Women’s Day belongs to everyone who believes in fairness and dignity. It’s a call to highlight the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also urges you and others to take action so that girls and women can enjoy the same opportunities, freedoms, and respect enjoyed by men. Celebrating this day involves everything from small local events to large-scale awareness campaigns aimed at closing the gender gap once and for all.

The importance of recognising women in care

When you or a family member need support at home, women often provide that help. It might be a daughter assisting her mother with shopping or a wife making sure her husband keeps to his medication routines. In many families, women shoulder most of the informal care tasks. Research suggests that almost half of working-age women take on an average of 45 hours of unpaid care per week, ranging from personal care to cooking meals.

Why does this matter to you? Because without the unpaid work of mothers, sisters, and daughters, society would struggle to function. Their labour is rarely acknowledged in any formal sense, yet it provides billions of pounds worth of support each year. By recognising these contributions, we can push for more supportive policies in the workplace, ensuring women don’t have to choose between paid employment and looking after their loved ones.

In the professional care sector, women also form the backbone of the workforce. Around 81% of jobs in social care are filled by women. Women are the ones visiting homes, helping people move around safely, and ensuring medication is taken correctly. Women's presence brings warmth, dedication, and a true sense of compassion to each person they support. Acknowledging women’s role in care ensures you and your family receive better care because when carers feel valued, they can deliver their best.

How can you celebrate International Women’s Day?

Participating in International Women’s Day doesn’t need to be complicated. You can do plenty of things, big or small, that will shine a spotlight on women’s rights and equality. Here are some simple ways to celebrate:

1. Offer appreciation: If you know a woman who balances caring responsibilities with work or personal commitments, say thank you. Share how much you value her support.
2. Learn the history: Spend some time reading about how IWD started. You’ll discover stories of women who fought for better wages and safer workplaces, reminding you how far we’ve come.
3. Support local events: Look out for talks or community gatherings near you. Some areas hold workshops or charity events focused on issues women face, such as navigating health challenges or balancing care responsibilities.
4. Advocate for fairness: If you’re an employer or part of any local group, encourage them to explore flexible working arrangements that help women combine caregiving with employment.
5. Use social media wisely: Share stories of amazing women you know. Highlight your experiences with female carers or colleagues so others can appreciate their contributions, too.

By taking these steps, you’ll help raise awareness of the vital role women play in your life and community. You’ll also help create a culture that values equal opportunities so everyone has a fair chance to thrive.

Honouring the women of Tiggo Care

At Tiggo Care, we’re proud to highlight the stories and accomplishments of the women of our care team who have shaped our service. From the care assistants who provide daily personal care to the office administrators who ensure everything runs smoothly, the women at Tiggo Care demonstrate compassion and resolve every single day.

Many of these staff members have fascinating journeys. Some have academic backgrounds in law or nursing. Others come from different parts of the world, bringing a wide range of knowledge with them. They’ve chosen to be part of a professional care service that assists you, your family members, and countless other people who need extra help to live comfortably at home.

The women at Tiggo Care play a vital role in ensuring high-quality care and support. They oversee operations, uphold standards, and ensure that care plans are well-organised and tailored to individual needs. Through home visits and assessments, they listen closely to care users, making sure their needs are met with attention and compassion. 

Behind the scenes, they manage essential tasks like audits, records, social media, and compliance, creating a seamless experience for both care users and their families. On the front line, they provide hands-on assistance with daily routines, household tasks, and companionship, offering comfort, stability, and reassurance to those in their care. Their dedication ensures that every aspect of the service runs smoothly, making a real difference in the lives of others.

How does Tiggo Care support women in the care industry?

If you’re thinking about how care services handle training, working conditions, and emotional support for staff, Tiggo Care offers a good model. This approach doesn’t just benefit women—it benefits you, too, because a well-supported care team is more motivated, skilled, and empathetic.

Here are some key ways Tiggo Care supports its staff:

• Fair pay: Especially in London, the cost of living is high. Tiggo Care is committed to paying at least the London Living Wage, ensuring that care assistants can focus on providing the best service without constant financial stress.
• Paid training: All staff members go through comprehensive training, including the Care Certificate and regular updates on moving and handling, first aid, and medication routines. By investing in training, Tiggo Care raises the standard of care you receive at home.
• Flexible work and support: Many women juggle caregiving roles at home and work. At Tiggo Care, staff can rely on an Employee Assistance Programme and a supportive management structure that values their well-being.
• Technology tools: Care planning can involve paperwork. To free up more time for face-to-face support, Tiggo Care uses advanced software. This technology makes it simpler for staff to organise tasks and keep everything in order, letting them focus more energy on you or your loved one.
• Career progression: Women in this sector often face limited advancement options. Tiggo Care encourages ongoing professional development, including NVQs in Health and Social Care. By offering room to grow, they keep staff motivated and happy, which in turn benefits everyone receiving care.

When care workers feel acknowledged and have real opportunities to progress, they’re far more likely to provide top-notch support. That sense of fairness in the workplace translates to thoughtful, attentive service for you and your family.

Conclusion 

International Women’s Day reminds us that when women thrive, everyone else benefits, too. This is particularly true for those of you seeking home care services, as so many female carers bring empathy, knowledge, and a deep sense of responsibility to their roles.

If you’re a family member looking for reliable help, or if you’re seeking assistance for yourself, consider how a service that values its staff can benefit you. Tiggo Care’s commitment to fair wages, strong training, and ongoing support fosters a positive atmosphere for everyone. That means you get more compassionate and person-centred care services.

Reach out to Tiggo Care if you’d like to organise home care visits or talk about your specific home care services needs. By choosing a provider that genuinely invests in women’s success, you ensure a comfortable experience for yourself and a bright future for the dedicated individuals who look after you.