International Women’s Day 2022
International Women’s Day 2022
International Women’s Day is an annual celebration of women’s achievements. The day highlights women’s issues and supports causes that affect different women around the world. The overall aim of International Women’s Day is to promote gender equality.
This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias. The campaign asks us all to actively call out gender bias, discrimination, and stereotyping.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Every year at Crane & Staples, we ask our staff to nominate inspirational women that they would like to celebrate on International Women’s Day. These include lawyers, politicians, artists, athletes, campaigners and our own family and friends.
It is difficult to focus on this international day of celebration whilst we are all troubled by the devastating events in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine; we are inspired by their resilience, strength and courage. Sadly, this conflict is expected to have devastating effects on vulnerable women and children in particular. To mark our firm’s participation in IWD, we are supporting the Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights in Ukraine.
You can find out more about international charities that support women all round the world, and the charities of choice for this year’s campaign, on the IWD website.
The women we have nominated below exhibit traits of kindness, determination, fortitude and resilience. This International Women’s Day, we hope that celebrating these positive values will bring us closer to achieving peace and equality in our lifetime, across the world.
Crane & Staples’ Team nomination
Everyone at Crane & Staples would like to nominate Sharon Montgomery. Sharon has been a lawyer for over 35 years and has been a Partner at Crane & Staples since 2004. In this time, the firm has gone from strength-to-strength. Sharon has embraced change and achieved huge professional success, always with style, a smile and a wicked sense of humour. She is a passionate divorce lawyer, inspiring mentor, dedicated manager, and great friend to us all. We are grateful for all the work she has put in to make the firm what it is today.
The Public Law Children Team’s nomination
Angelina Jolie has been undertaking humanitarian work for almost 20 years, in particular working with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). Given what is happening in the world this work is more important than ever.
This is just a summary of the work she has done:
- Supporting refugees
- Empowering women
- Took part in starting “The Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative”
- Supports protecting children the interests and rights of orphaned and abandoned children
As at 06 03 2022 she had landed in Aden to meet displaced families and refugees to show her support for the people of Yemen, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and supporting peace everywhere in the world.
We support women who empower others to make this world better for us all.
Sharon’s Nominations
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson - the first Black female justice to be nominated for the US Supreme Court
I. Stephanie Boyce - the first Black and the first person of colour to be president of the Law Society of England and Wales.
Malcolm’s Nomination
I would nominate the tennis player Billie Jean King for her “battle of the sexes” match against Bobby Riggs in 1973. Riggs was an outright chauvinist and openly stated women were inferior tennis players. King challenged him to a match and gave him a very public beating. She then went on to champion women’s tennis and no doubt paved the way for the many tennis players that followed her.
Attia’s nominations
This year I want to nominate once again my friends and colleagues at WiFLaw (Women in Family Law group). They are all fantastic, unique and inspiring women. It is such a privilege to be part of this group and to be able to improve things for the better for other women in the law or coming into the law.
My Family Team colleagues Janet Martland and Sian Churchill. Throughout the pandemic they have continued to work hard for their clients and been a great support, they are wonderful solicitors and wonderful friends. I add that Janet does it all whilst also being a very busy parent and I am in awe of her.
My colleague Gaby Williams. Gaby works hard for us all at the firm. She deals with all challenges that come her way with such grace, patience, humour and kindness. I think everyone could do with someone as special as Gaby in their lives, Gaby is always there to cheer everyone on and I want her to know that we cheer her on too.
Finally, my wonderful mother-in-law, Julie. She is a Team Manager with a Local Authority Service which provides support for disabled children, young people, young adults and their families. I know she works hard and has supported plenty of families over the years and especially over the pandemic. She is a fantastic grandmother, mother and mother-in-law and I am grateful to have such an inspirational and strong woman in my life.
Manish’s nominations
The three most important women in my life: my wife, my mother, and my daughter.
Sheryl’s nominations
Tina Turner – She is such an incredible singer/performer and came from such a humble background. Also, despite her, horrific at times, relationship with Ike, I understand she asked for nothing in the divorce expect for her surname. She then redefined herself, forging her own career without him, his money or rights/access to her back catalogue. She overcame all of this to become the icon she’s now known for and to me is such an empowering woman.
The Queen – She’s been on the throne for 70 years this year which is a phenomenal achievement. It was quite something her having to take on being monarch aged 25 after the sudden death of her father. She has such composure and dignity, knowing what to say and how to react. I appreciate she has sometimes faced criticism over the years but in my opinion, considering the time period and age she was when she came to the throne – to be respected and listened to by not just the nation but also by those in male dominated arenas over the years is so inspiring and empowering.
Jennifer Lopez – She, again, came from a humble background but through hard work, perseverance, and immense talent she has become a global superstar. She can dance, sing and act (an underrated actress in my opinion!) and also has a successful beauty range. She is so proud of her roots/background and stands up for so many good causes.
Mariah Carey – an incredible, clever songwriter and just an icon. She’s so incredibly talented, not just as a singer but as a businesswoman too. She, again, forged her own career path, taking control of her life, career, and business decisions from her first husband and manager. She’s also the queen of Christmas!
Also my mum for just being so supportive and always there when I need to talk.
Sian’s nominations
I would like to nominate my mum, Tracy, and my mother in law, Tracey. Both have long term health conditions like I do and both have taught me how to be strong and independent, and that we are still worthy despite our health issues. I love them both immensely and I am lucky to have them supporting me.
I’d like to nominate my sister Megan for showing incredible versatility this last year and proving that she is able to take on the world.
I would also like to nominate drag queen Victoria Scone, who was the first ever cisgender-female to compete in any Drag Race franchise, and really did break down barriers!
Mike’s nomination
My wife Anne, for putting up with me for 26 years of course. But also for always putting other people in front of herself and always working hard especially recently looking after her sick mother.
Gaby’s nominations
I would like to nominate the wonderful women in my family, especially my amazing mum.
I would also like to celebrate the achievements of all my fabulous colleagues and friends at Crane & Staples.
I would like to nominate the writer and actor Mindy Kaling for producing hilarious comedy, focusing on diverse female characters.
Mischa’s nomination
I would like to nominate my mum. For working through the entire Covid pandemic in the social care sector with such a selfless approach. Her work and those of thousands of other carers often goes unrecognised and underappreciated.
Emma’s nominations
I am so fortunate to be surrounded by strong, empathic, and awe-inspiring women both at work and in my personal life. To take a moment to reflect on these incredible women reminds me just how lucky I am and how amazing women are.
My mother, Vicki, a local post lady who works so hard and despite there never seeming to be enough hours in the day, always finds time to put everyone before herself. Without a doubt the most kind-hearted person who would do absolutely anything to help others. My mother inspires me every single day.
My daughter, Amber who gives me belly laughs, untold amounts of stress and an unimaginable amount of love. She teaches me patience and how to look at the world with such a beautiful perspective, I am so incredibly proud of her and love watching her grow into an amazing young lady.
I think it’s important to take a moment to think of all the women who are affected by the heart-breaking situation in Ukraine, women throughout time have demonstrated that when faced with hardship, we work together to support one another and that is but one of the things which make us unstoppable. I truly hope that the women of Ukraine and others going through this difficult time can draw strength from not only each, other but all of women around the world who are supporting them in any way that they can.
Sophie’s nomination
For International Women’s Day, I would love to nominate my mother, Anna Rabin. Not only is she one of the most work driven, selfless and kind-hearted woman I know, but she is also my inspiration and an inspiration to women in general. After being made redundant during the economic crash, she wasted no time setting up her own free-lancing consultancy service from scratch and has been thriving ever since, winning countless awards. I admire her dearly and could not be prouder to call her my mother. This isn’t just a man’s world anymore!