International Women's Day 2024 - celebrating Fourth Day’s inspiring women!

E very year, International Women’s Day aims to celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements while highlighting issues of importance such as gender equality and violence against women.

Since 1996, it has followed a pattern of individual campaigns, addressing a different issue each year. The theme for 2024 is ‘Inspire Inclusion’ – which encourages us to recognise the views and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those in marginalised communities. 

As part of this year’s celebrations, our French colleague, Cindy Mouchard, has gathered thoughts from the inspiring women who work at Fourth Day and Quatrieme Jour. 

Here they share what International Women’s Day means to them, who or what inspires them and what advice they would give to younger women looking to work in PR.

1. What does 8th March mean to you?

Christelle Robin-Velut, PR consultant for Quatrieme Jour: 

For me, International Women’s Day symbolises the actions of strong women, who were alive long before I was and were determined to pave the way so that we can have the same rights as men. The fight continues today, as there remain some profound inequalities between men and women in our society. 

Xanthe Vaughan Williams, Fourth Day director and co-founder: 

I tend to think of the women in countries where rights are very seriously restricted – Afghanistan, Syria – more than I think about women in the workplace in the UK. There’s obviously still a long way to go here, but we may take too many things for granted.

I tend to think of the women in countries where rights are very seriously restricted - Afghanistan, Syria - more than I think about women in the workplace in the UK.

Xanthe Vaughan Williams

2. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Maha Bennani, PR consultant for Quatrieme Jour Morocco: 

I would tell my younger self to believe in herself, to pursue her dreams with boldness and determination. And also to not be afraid!

Lizzie Wood, Associate Director at Fourth Day:

To always be yourself, and care less about what others think.

Caroline Fletcher, Account Manager at Fourth Day:

Be bold – don’t be afraid to speak up, your opinions are valid.

I would tell my younger self to believe in herself, and to pursue her dreams with boldness and determination.

Maha Bennani

3. What does your job in PR bring to you?

Rachel Murray, PR consultant at Fourth Day: 

For me, PR requires and allows a mix of creativity, collaboration and curiosity. It also brings challenges in a positive way – having to think on my feet and learn about different businesses, technologies and markets.

Christelle Robin-Velut:

This job has broadened my horizons! I’m a woman who questions herself a lot, and who likes to understand things in detail. As we work with such a range of clients, we tackle many different topics, which feeds my curiosity and sharpens my outlook on the world. 

4. What advice would you give to young women interested in a career in PR?

Nikki Scrivener, Fourth Day director and co-founder: 

Digital skills are great, but don’t stop being curious about people. Good communication is still about one human being talking to another. 

Xanthe Vaughan Williams: 

You need to be interested in everything. Don’t dismiss companies as dull. There’s always a story there – you just have to find it. 

Digital skills are great, but don't stop being curious about people.

Nikki Scrivener

5. Can you share one or more professional anecdotes that have boosted your self-confidence?

Lizzie Wood: 

I don’t have a particular anecdote, but I think having your colleagues (and clients!) cheerlead for you makes a massive difference in building confidence – whether that’s acknowledging successes or just generally hyping you up.  

6. Can you share a quote, a person, a book that inspires you on a daily basis? And, why?

Nikki Scrivener: 

Emily Dickinson – ‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers. I love her poetry, but that’s the one that inspires me to dig deep when things aren’t great.

Caroline Fletcher: 

Dr Carol Thomas – the unsung pioneer of the modern women’s game who played football for over 40 years for her club; a former England women’s football captain gaining over 50 caps, and the first woman FA qualified coach. She’s still an ambassador and heavily involved in supporting girls and women in football.