International Women’s Day #BreakTheBias

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

An award-winning Radio Presenter, Samina is a successful Freelance  Producer / Executive  Engagement Consultant  working with underrepresented  communities, in particular  -South Asian communities. Her successful career began in media, as a presenter and producer for a number of independent commercial radio and television production companies & Mainstream BBC, Channel 4 & ITV. Rapidly moving on to work for Nynex, Granada and Channel 4, time at the BBC led her to produce, research and present a range of current affairs programmes and the production and research of documentaries such as – Great  British Islam BBC ONE, Divine Women, Channel 4 The Men with Many Wives & Rich Kids Go Skint.

The successful response of Samina’s  work has led to addressing the development of cultural diversity, working with a range of local authorities and commissioned projects for cross-sector organisations including Creative Arts such as The Royal Exchange Theatre, The Lowry, Oldham Coliseum & Manchester International Festival working on Audience Development & Strategy. A Recent commission to inform & shape the national strategy for the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out amongst minority communities across the UK. The success of this campaign was shared with senior No. 10 advisors & Whitehall, and the toolkit created by Samina was implemented UK-wide.

A mum to 2 incredible children.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

With diverse programming, the theatre space can provide opportunities for women who are underrepresented to create pieces highlighting & exploring stories, experiences, issues that will help break the bias. Being visible in such spaces will empower women’s creativity to flourish & be recognised for who they are.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

Create opportunities for underrepresented women, produce a diverse programme that will allow discussion and change within any workspace.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

Be committed to improving and changing your work/school/community. Help to support challenge bias stereotypes, create a space to recognise & celebrate the social-economic & cultural diversity achievements by women.

What three top tips would you choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Self-care, wellbeing – Love yourself
• Stay authentic!
• Never give up on your goal/dream

Tell us about a woman that inspires you? 

My mother – An incredible woman whose journey started from Nairobi to the North -Uk. A pioneer who created safe spaces for women in the early 70s and campaigned tirelessly for equality, in particular, marginalised women. A teacher, community ambassador, a leader, a humble grassroots passionate changemaker who inspired many and ignited my inner love for always giving back to society and creating a difference. Amee – ( mother in Urdu)

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

I’m Kya Buller, a born and bred Mancunian. I’m the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Aurelia Magazine, an independent publication uplifting the personal stories of marginalised people.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

In my creative industry of writing and publishing, we can #BreakTheBias by giving women the space this IWD to tell their own stories the way they want to be told, without expectation or preconceived ideas of what women ‘should’ be writing about.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

To truly advocate for equality we must show up and protest where we can – by attending vigils, demonstrations, staying informed and holding truth to power. It is no longer enough to sit on the sidelines and wait for a different future. Things don’t change unless we do.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

In my community, the steps I take to create an inclusive environment include placing a spotlight on marginalised genders and faiths, and people of colour. My team are all Northern women of colour – proving that creativity and inclusivity does and can thrive outside of London! In order to be truly inclusive, we must shake up the status quo and be willing to pass the mic.

What three top tips would you choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Remain soft – your sensitivity is your power
• Let yourself feel the full weight of your emotions and let your experiences be the seeds from which you can grow
• You are just as deserving of opportunity and respect as anybody else

Tell us about a woman that inspires you? 

My Mum, Vilma Buller, is the most inspiring woman I could ever hope to know. She has proven to me that passion, above all, is the most important thing, and that as long as you’re proud of yourself, you have done your best.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

I do all sorts! I’m a real all-round creative soul – but today I will say I am a freelance Arts Marketing Specialist, Content Creator, Events Producer, with an unhealthy addiction to Spicy Pot Noodles.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

Theatres need to speak up loudly. Be transparent. We all know that behind the big institutions there are real humans with thoughts and feelings and I think we need to hear the voices of these venues much more.

Creatively I see so many of my peers making work that is overtly tackling bias in many forms and I’m here for it. I love it because much needed conversations are starting because art isn’t just on a theatre stage or in a museum, it’s in Instagram Reels, it’s on Spotify music – now that we are in such a heavy digital age, we have much more control and ownership in getting seen and heard, narrating our own experiences, creating our own narratives.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

Have hard conversations. It’s great having training, working groups and voicing hopes and dreams in work meetings or with friends. But following up with check-ins and evaluating openly with staff and each other asking “did that work?”, “is it time to try a new approach?” “do we need outside help?” is never a bad thing.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

In my workplaces I join the various working groups, I am vocal in all meetings, I ask for explanations and evaluations instead of just following processes blindly. All because inclusivity takes work. It takes patience. It takes time. But more than that – it takes people who won’t just settle.

Inclusivity is layered, it’s vast, it’s not something one meeting or one person can accomplish. This is why I am really proud of Melanin Markets. This is am events company that I have co-created with my friend Kelly, and it is a vehicle to address inclusivity – it actively creates spaces for equality, it champions inclusivity in numerous ways, but not quietly – WE ARE LOUD and unapologetic.

What three top tips would you choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Give yourself grace and set your own pace. We’ve been through so many traumatic life events in the past few years that it’s ok to not be firing on all cylinders, ticking off goals and showing out like what social media may have you believe everyone is doing.
• Not taking things personally and returning to your joy, is always a power move.
• Social media can be a distraction, or a tool, or a CV/portfolio, or a catalyst, or even an escape. Get clear on why you’re spending time on these platforms – then utilise it.

Tell us about a woman that inspires you? 

Shonda Rhimes has been a long time inspiration for me. She didn’t just write and produce one show and say ‘ok I’m done now’. She wrote and produced multiple and had them airing all together on ABC taking over their entire prime time AND she implemented Black women as the protagonists. Black women who were not just strong, but they were also beautiful, vulnerable, versatile, multifaceted beings. Absolutely magical.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

My name is Marilyn (Mally) Hinson. I have two children and three grandchildren. I am an actor and I sing with a Jazz/Blues band. I am also a member of the Elders Company at the Royal Exchange. I live in Unsworth, Bury.

International Women’s Day is championing the # BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

Challenging stereotyping. Increasing opportunities and championing women creatives.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

Push for gender education in schools. Question the gender status quo at every opportunity.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

I volunteer at a community hub with people of all ages and walks of life, where an inclusive environment is of paramount importance. People are treated as individuals, regardless of gender etc. We create groups, sessions and workshops in direct response to clients’ requests and needs. Encouraging respectful discussion.

What three top tips that you would choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Call out bias when we see it
• Be mindful of stereotyping we pass on to children, in how we behave and speak
• Be brave and not tolerate what feels wrong

Tell us about a woman that inspires you?

A woman who totally inspires me is my niece, Dionne Doherty. She has created, from scratch, something amazing in Tyldesley called COMPLETE KINDNESS. The success of which is staggering. Dionne has spent all her (and her husband’s) savings setting up the Community Centre and Café, choosing the name COMPLETE KINDNESS because she wants to ‘show up’ for as many people as she can. She became a psychotherapist a few years ago so she feels she is in a position to do the most she possibly can to help.

Dionne would never, ever, ‘give up’ on anyone. She struggles with mental health and has done for most of her life, but if there is someone who needs her, she will try her very best to be there for them. She never judges others and always sees the light within them. She says that forgiveness is easy when you realise that we all doing the best we can. She believes that if we recognise the difficult times as a way to cultivate ‘super powers’ we’re able to empathise and support others once we have healed.

Dionne believes we all have a purpose and I can honestly say that I have witnessed her changing lives. The effect of the warm and unconditional regard she has for everybody is palpable. She has crafted her profession out of her lived experiences. Making sense of life and all that she has been through and the gifts she has been given. That is what she would like for others therefore she tries to lead by example, upholding this philosophy.

She has named her organisation COMPLETE KINDNESS because she believes that is what we all need to heal.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

I’m a 46-year-old mother of two (and I mention ‘mother’ first as this is this axis of my life but not the sole definer). I grew up in working-class, blue-collar Droylsden and through accident not design, this is where I also now work as a secondary school English teacher. Day to day, I deal with the mental organisation and varying education of all the little (and not so little) people in my life. From trying to make sure that my own children have a swimming kit and eat at least a piece of fruit at some point, to ensuring that my students absolutely buy into the fact that Shakespeare and literature generally is still relevant. Isn’t it?

I also have a daily affair with online Scrabble. I love to read, though grieve that I don’t have enough time to; adore live music and theatre and I am passionate about the great outdoors as being out there fills my soul.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

Commission, produce and perform theatre and art that champions women of past and present. Create theatre and art that opens a dialogue to redress the under-representation of historical and current female figures in all fields – especially women who are not ‘successful’ because they discovered something, but women and girls who are just absolute lynchpin legends in ordinary houses and communities every day in the UK. The Royal Exchange should be at the forefront of that – breaking down the barriers between working classes, middle classes and the elite. The performers should be from these communities.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

Look at your own workforce – what’s the gender split? What kind of roles are the women and men doing in comparison to each other? Perhaps it’s split 50/50, perhaps not.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

I think dress codes and attitudes are really important. It is essential to examine how we’re communicating with others about dress codes without body-shaming; I do challenge this whenever I come across it.

I also make sure that I never use gender loaded words to describe certain roles in society such as projecting a doctor as male or a cleaner as female for example.

What three top tips that you would choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Be brave and bold and know that you matter – without entitlement
• Rest and take joy in your life when you can
• Advocate for social change and justice in your small ways – becoming an ally, challenging prejudice online in person, at work etc.

Tell us about a woman that inspires you?

I honestly don’t have one. My heroines are collages of all the inspiring women I know and don’t know. From Julie Andrews to a gutsy friend to a 5-minute voice on the radio who might say something that makes me punch the air.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

I’m a freelance artist and secondary school trained art teacher originally from Blackpool, now residing in lovely Leigh near Wigan. I am part of an artist collective called Creative Spin Studios, based within the beautiful red brick walls of Leigh Spinners Mill. Here I have my own personal studio, where you’ll find me illustrating and drawing animals (mainly cats!). I also run a community interest company called Heart Communities CIC centred around arts education and wellbeing. My overriding passion is to make people’s lives better through creative activity.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

This is exactly why I love theatre! Theatre has it all, doesn’t it? Within a theatre performance, you have the words, music, visuals, movement all in one, making it the perfect vehicle to tackle issues such as gender bias. Through storytelling theatre draws you in and makes you empathise with the characters, really feeling what they are going through. There is no better way to grab someone and make them face up to someone else’s reality and challenge the way they think and behave. This is a huge part of why I became a Local Exchange ambassador in Leigh, and why I am so passionate about being able to reach the people within our community with theatre which tackles issues such as this.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

I think it’s important for us all to speak up and challenge when we see or experience something which goes against equality. International Women’s Day gets that conversation started. The more women who stand up against this, the better! The Break The Bias pose is so powerful! People respond to visuals such as this. If we all get behind the social media campaign and cross our arms to show our solidarity, this will send out a very powerful message and help to challenge people’s attitudes towards gender bias.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

Within Heart we make Young People’s Voice a top priority. We value each of their thoughts, ideas and feedback which includes ensuring that they are all treated as equals, each with an equal opportunity to share in whatever way they feel comfortable. We avoid stereotypes and use appropriate language ensuring that each young person feels valued in their own right.

What three top tips that you would choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Believe in yourself and don’t give up when things get difficult or uncomfortable. Failure allows us to learn and get better at what we do. Lean into it and be brave!
• Make time for mindfulness, whether that’s going for a walk in the countryside, taking a yoga class or doing something creative. Be good to yourself and allow for some quality time self-care.
• Above all else, be kind! ALWAYS! You never know what someone else is going through, despite them looking ok on the outside.

Tell us about a woman that inspires you? 

Brene Brown is my guru! She is a researcher from Texas who focuses mainly on shame, vulnerability and leadership. The TED Talk which she did in 2010 went viral! As soon I watched this I was hooked and since then I’ve been reading all of her books. Her wisdom is helping me navigate what has been a difficult and challenging time. I highly recommend reading her books and listening to her Podcasts. Her main influence is the wonderful Maya Angelou and a lot of her writing is based around this quote “You are only free when you realise you belong no place – you belong every place – no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great”. She is basically saying that you belong to you and that’s what true belonging is. This has been a game-changer for me.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

I retired from lecturing 15 years ago and moved back to Manchester from Cumbria. From a very young age, the theatre has been my joy and my delight. Living in the city centre, I have been able to enjoy many different performances at all the theatres nearby.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that? 

Theatre can create drama that challenges the status quo. This could be new writing or interpreting established work in a different way. Theatre ticket prices which are affordable to everyone help as well.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality? 

Question our friends and family’s attitudes and try to encourage a different point of view.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

I organise a film discussion group which meets once a month. We choose at least 3 current films to watch at the cinema. I belong to a reading group and I prefer the new novels, especially ones which deal with problems in society, plus I am fascinated by international mores round about the 2nd World War.

What three top tips that you would choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Think about your own place in society and try to ensure you are treated equally
• Take pride in your achievements, feel pleasure in doing something well
• Look after your health, energy and general well being

Tell us about a woman that inspires you?

Maya Angelou has inspired me since I first read her poem Phenomenal Woman about being female. She overcame so many trials and tribulations during her life but she rose to become an icon for so many women.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

My name is Sabiha Khan, I was born and raised at the heart of Manchester, Cheetham Hill. I currently work in the media industry as a Sales Manager and have been at my current company for 8 years.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

I can’t speak on behalf of the entire theatre/creative industry, however from my experience with RET I have seen some great progress in equality across sexual orientation, gender, race. In particular women in the theatre, last year we had 2 solo performances Bloody Ellie and Glee and Me, both powerful stories revolving around strong women. We also see a female artistic director at the RET all helping to break the bias.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

Less judgement in general, regardless of the choice an individual makes and how they identify themselves, be more supportive of those who are going through a time of change or having difficulties in opening up about their choices.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

I take my time to support various community groups to represent not just females but my ethnic background. Within my job role, I am a Mental Health First Aider, part of a group where all those from BAME groups will sit and discuss our experiences within the industry and support younger peers in developing their careers.

What three top tips that you would choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Your goals are achievable, dream big, break down the big dream into small goals and go for it!!
• Life can be difficult at times, there will be ups and downs but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It took me 7 years at my current company to be promoted – the key is to never give up.
• Look after yourself before you can help others, I always use the example when we are on a plane and the flight attendant takes us through safety. We are always told to put on our oxygen masks first, before helping others. If you are not 100% then you can’t look after others.

Tell us about a woman that inspires you?

My inspiration is a very good friend and fellow RET ambassador Poppy Soldatos, she goes out of her way to help anyone she can in the community. As well as looking after her 90-year-old mum full time, she takes time out to help all local charities.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

I am a women’s empowerment advocate. I dedicate my life and work to helping women step into their power. As a Womb Therapist and a Reiki Master, I curate my own specially targeted 1-1 programmes, group retreats, 1-1 Sessions, Sister Circles, Workshops and natural holistic products to guide women on their journey to realising all that they are searching for all ready lies within them. I do this through life coaching encompassing holistic and natural methods to evoke both physical and internal growth.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

I think theatre and creativity have a special way of bringing people from every background together in a way that moves people, lowers people’s guards, invokes emotion and tells a story because of this it’s the perfect tool to use to spread a message. It makes us feel instead of just listen.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

We start small. Initially, we openly question our own thoughts and behaviours around inequality which inspires those around us to do the same and it creates a domino effect into our circles and our communities. We speak up and we see another woman’s injustice as our own injustice. What starts as a small change in our own communities eventually leads to change on a larger scale.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

The whole ethos behind the work I do is for women from every walk of life to feel at ease in my space. I ensure this by listening and never judging, by welcoming all and if there was ever a time I witnessed any judgment or exclusion within the group work that would be challenged without hesitation.

What three top tips would you choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Believe in yourself and if that feels difficult, look at where the root of that disbelief started because if you don’t it will hold you back for the rest of your life
• Learn to see the woman standing beside you as a sister and not a competitor.
• There is nothing like a group of women helping each other to the top
  Speak up! Share your truth! No matter how difficult it may feel at first the world needs your voice!

Tell us about a woman that inspires you? 

The woman that most inspires me is my mother. As I’ve grown so has she. Over the years I’ve watched her let go of a generational way of thinking. She’s let go of what she once thought to be true and completely opened herself up to listen and learn. She has created a safe space in our relationship to express our rawest emotions which has challenged us both to grow. I know not everyone has the luxury of a woman like this in their lives and though our relationship may have not always been this way, through growth and her courage to have difficult conversations it is now, which shows the possibility is there for so many others.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

I am a lawyer, a Barrister at Law, I wear the funny wigs and gowns as my uniform to work, like a Justice superhero really. I am also a Trustee of the Royal Exchange Theatre which I love. I also write books – children’s books and books about law and I host a podcast called Talking Law.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

By challenging the narrratives. By having women on stage and behind it, perhaps in non-typical women’s roles. By encouraging and championing more men to break the bias. Allies are key to breaking the bias.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

There are lots of things we can do, but I don’t have the answers. Perhaps and it’s not an exhaustive list: Get our sons, fathers, friends, boyfriends, talking about equality. Calling out inequalities when we see and hear them.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

Ask all those in the workplace what special days they would like to celebrate for example. Be open. Create safe spaces for conversations, then review every conversation to see what has changed. Ask those in the workplace what they would like to see as change?

What three top tips that you would choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Keep going. It has been a long two years in the pandemic and women have borne most of the brunt. According to the issues we are all tired. Keep going and look after your wellbeing and that of your loved ones, especially children. The year is a marathon, not a sprint, so try and take it easy this year in between working to catch up.
• Meet new people. Network and embrace all the good things.
• Be grateful. Stop and appreciate what we do have, rather than what we don’t have.

Tell us about a woman that inspires you?

My Mum because she finds the positive in everything. But also please allow me to share a few women from my book WHERE ARE YOU FROM? For example, Rosa Parkes the American civil rights activist and campaigner. The Queen for presiding over the country for so very long. MARY SEACOLE who was the black Florence Nightingale, who risked her life on the front line to tend to the dying and the wounded soldiers and established the British Hotel. Also, the Bletchley ladies who were so instrumental in the war years. I met some of the remaining few and I have to say, I was speechless and did not know there were some women of colour amongst them. Finally, I also very much admire and feel inspired by the men who support women and their careers, at a time when that was neither encouraged nor deemed acceptable. They inspire me.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

I was a teenage parent, who is passionate about the arts. Spent over 30 years working in the venues employed and also freelance, I give advice to venues on their Equality and Diversity, Marketing and community engagement. I love giving people opportunities to access spaces that they think are not for them. I also love mentoring, sharing my knowledge and experiences. I am currently Project Manager for Culture for Our Communities part-time.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

Employing more female directors CEO and programmers. Female only projects, festivals of work, etc.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

Everyone needs to be treated the same, listened to and respected, it shouldn’t be about job titles.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

Being present, checking in with the underrepresented individuals and communities and being the voice for the people who are not able to be part of the conversation.

What three top tips would you choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Manifest your journey
• Selfcare
• Ask for help

Tell us about a woman that inspires you?

My Mum, she left her children in the Caribbean and came to this country in the 60s to build a better life for herself, she worked in factories and then for the NHS and has never had a hand out from the government. She suffered racism but was strong and continued on her journey, having me and my brother, also managing to save money to send for the rest of her children. Even though she’s been through a lot healthwise she’s survived my dad and my stepdad.

Kath Locke (1928-1992) mixed-race British community Leader and political activist based in Manchester. Active in moss side community politics, she help to establish the George Jackson house for homeless children in 1973. Co-founder of the Abasindi co-operative, a community organisation run by Black women in the 80s. It was a hub for educational and cultural programs for the local African and Afro- Caribbean communities. The Kath Locke Centre in Moss Side is named after her.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

Before taking early retirement. I worked for the NHS, working therapeutically with traumatised people. I then decided to travel around India, Vietnam and Cambodia.

International Women’s Day is championing the # BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

It is so important to Honour and embrace diversity. To celebrate difference. To be inclusive.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

Being aware of our own biases. Reflecting on our own stereotypes, prejudices and discriminations. Educate ourselves. Creating an inclusive culture for everybody. Respecting cultural and racial differences.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

Mutal respect. Clear communication. Creating an inclusive environment where all people from cultural orientations can freely express who they are, their own opinions and points of view.

What three top tips that you would choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Be your own person
• Be independent
• Stand Strong and have a voice

Tell us about a woman that inspires you?

I have the greatest admiration for the Rock and Roll Singer Tina Turner. She has an amazing sultry voice. I admire her emotional, psychological and physical strength. Tina is a survivor. Tina is SIMPLY THE BEST.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

I always refer to myself as a designer first and foremost because design is simply problem-solving and that sums up my work perfectly. The kind of problems I solve, however, sometimes go beyond pixel pushing. My day can involve anything from directing culture-driven fashion editorials with emerging talent from my agency on our media platform VAGUE TOMES, to creating digital assets and experiences for effective brand communication; staging runway shows for independent fashion designers or shaping marketing strategies for film distributors and cultural institutions backed by data and research. On or offline, I’m passionate about creating and curating experiences that are accessible and impactful.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

With my career stretching across tech, fashion, design, production and editorial, I have found the theatre to be an extremely welcoming space… once people get through the door. I think theatre and the creative industry as a whole can champion the erasure of stereotypes and silencing of prejudices to #BreakTheBias by meeting consciously diverse social groups where they are: working directly with communities and diversifying communication efforts to appeal to a broader audience. Breaking the bias to me should incite excitement about yet another opportunity to do things differently, to move with or even challenge the times away from traditions that were formed when an increasing percentage of our population today didn’t have basic human rights.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

I truly believe education is the answer. In order to effectively be able to empathize with the experiences of people who may not have as much power as we do in that moment, we have to understand the systems within which these experiences and power structures exist and the factors that govern them. With a stronger understanding of the inner workings of our society, and how it has both changed and stayed the same through history, we can all lend our privilege in the many nuanced ways each of us have them in a more dynamic, contextual manner without relying on hard and fast assumptions from our own limited lived experiences.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

My work is inherently user-focused so my process requires a hefty appetite for understanding people’s wants, needs and motivations, both consumers and stakeholders – even the middlemen in between. So I try to apply these principles throughout my life. The first step is always empathy: understanding your audience, ideally by acknowledging and then discarding your assumptions, instead interacting with them directly for the purest insights. And then it’s all about understanding your objectives, your strengths, your service and seeking and optimizing ways for your goals to provide that service to your audience.

What three top tips would you choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• A quote that saw me through the pandemic was “self-care is community care”
• Be firm in the resources and skills you have first and foremost
• Bad energy, stay far away

Tell us about a woman that inspires you? 

My older sister, Mo is a huge source of inspiration for me. There’s an ageism pandemic brewing in our generation of creatives that disproportionately affects women in a patriarchal society committed to coupling our value to our youth. So I feel very fortunate to have witnessed her change careers years after uni and walk so fearlessly into the unknown, led by her passions, talent and intuition. It has made me feel infinitely more fearless in my own pursuits: free from external pressures and expectations, driven by my purpose.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

Hey there, I’m Morayo – a marketing & communications specialist working in the film exhibition sector who is also a self-proclaimed custard cream biscuit ambassador.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

Theatre and creativity in general, can be thought of as a mirror of this world and a portal into another; its role, therefore, is to show the world as it is and as it could be. And to do this, it needs to see the world, engage with the world, and understand the world… all of it – as it is. Only then will it be able to access the full range of possibilities on offer.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

Be clear on our values, re-evaluate them often and honour them in every space we are in. And this involves speaking up for ourselves, speaking up for and/or standing beside others, listening, learning, unlearning and taking action.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

Meet people as they are. My work involves nurturing relationships with people and to do that effectively I need to know who they are, where they are, what they like, what they want and how to interact with them respectfully. And understanding how powerful language is and how quickly & slowly it evolves is another key step in creating spaces for us to have meaningful conversations and learn how best I & the company I work for can support our community.

What three top tips would you choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Lean into that soft life from time to time if not all the time
• Check out and vibe with @itslennnie on IG
• Be honest with yourself

Tell us about a woman that inspires you?

My sister, Karina. She is incredibly talented, funny and unapologetically true to herself. She is a firm believer in creating spaces that can support her big dreams and meets every challenge that comes her way with grace and tenacity in equal measure, using them as stepping stones to get to where she needs to be. Oh and she rarely ever misses a moment to bring you up with her. She is the fiercest champion to ever be in your corner and will forever tell you as it is and how it could be. I’m blessed to have her in my life.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

I’m the creator of Keep It Bright; the positive lifestyle brand I started 15 years ago from my tiny bedroom with nothing but a big dream – my aims with Keep It Bright are to uplift, empower & encourage, all through my range of clothing, prints, home decor, books & more! I create daily content on Instagram surrounding these themes, to create a space people can go to when they need a boost. I also recently started The Keep It Bright Podcast to go more in-depth on the topics I usually cover. My mission has always been to help as many people as possible to love themselves more & live happier, more authentic lives.

International Women’s Day is championing the # BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

The creative fields are essential for breaking biases & stereotypes, as voices get to be heard, stories get to be told – hearing different stories is how we learn more about the diversity within people’s lives. For example, I’m a British Pakistani woman who grew up on council estates, raised by a single mum, I started my brand at 15 years old after positive thinking saved my life, I’ve been the sole provider for my family for many years, I’m covered in tattoos, I don’t want children – maybe not what a lot of people think of when they think of a British Pakistani woman – but by sharing more peoples realities & stories, it breaks down those stereotypes and unconscious biases we may all have.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

Something I think we can all do on a small level is to just speak up, even in daily conversations when we hear something being said that is stereotypical or discriminatory and question/challenge it! And to call out injustices/prejudices we see happen in our workplaces etc. To show our solidarity. To use our privileges to show up for others.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

With my clothing brand I do my best to be as size-inclusive as possible, to use models of different sizes & ethnicities, to make unisex clothing and also spread messages of unity.

What three top tips would you choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Choose yourself – don’t settle for less than you deserve, no more second chances, trust your gut and don’t ignore red flags
• Realise your power & worth and own them
• Love & accept yourself – life feels so much easier when you’re fighting for yourself instead of against yourself

Tell us about a woman that inspires you?

To be honest, ALL women inspire me. With every single thing we face in this world, all the things we go through, in a system that hasn’t been set up to nurture, look after or protect us properly; the fact we still get up and get on and achieve and thrive, against all the odds – is so inspiring to me. Women are powerhouses, absolutely incredible.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

Hi, I’m Naomi a Manchester-based playwright and dramaturg. I’m also a transracial adoptee of Chinese ethnicity, adopted into a white British family so a lot of my work is about identity and belonging – including what it’s like to feel like a white middle-class woman trapped in the body of a Chinese boat dweller or “sea gypsy.”

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

Sadly, women are still chronically underrepresented in theatre. In 2020 a study showed that in British theatre women were outnumbered by men 2:1 and less than a third of new plays produced were written by women. So maybe we could start by programming more female writers! Especially those at the intersection of gender, race, disability, religion and or sexuality. Some people say that “theatre is a gym for empathy” so it can help us see things from another person’s perspective and challenge our biases. Theatre asks us to think, “What if…?” and so can encourage us to imagine a different world.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

Be aware of who else is in the spaces we inhabit day to day but more importantly who is not and why that might be. Think of how you could change those spaces to make them more welcoming and safe to a wider range of people. Ask people what they want and need rather than making assumptions – simply listening can go a long way. But also platforming marginalised voices rather than speaking on the behalf of people – however well-intentioned.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

Working in theatre I lead a lot of workshops and rehearsals with diverse groups of people and over the past year or so I usually start new projects by reading the Equity safe spaces statement which says that everyone is entitled to work in a safe space, free of fear or bullying or harassment and making a commitment to work together honouring our differences. The statement also says that if we do witness bullying or harassment, we’ll speak up knowing our voices will be heard and taken seriously.

As a playwriting tutor, I try to get my students to read plays written by a variety of playwrights, male, female, Black, Middle Eastern, South and East Asian, LGBTQ+ and go beyond the western canon. I also emphasize that there are many story structures beyond the hero’s journey which is very male/patriarchal!

What three top tips would you choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Practice taking up space, physically and vocally.
• Make time to rest – you can’t and shouldn’t even try to do everything.
• Linked to that – don’t be afraid to say no to things you don’t want to do or can’t fit into your life. It’s good to have boundaries.

Tell us about a woman that inspires you?

Fellow Chinese adoptee Naomi Ji inspires me with her VLOGs telling the truth about what it’s like to be a transracial adoptee and how it can affect your identity and mental health. She is always so honest and open – sharing things like her DNA test results with her followers. I was so pleased that she was not only a contributor to my verbatim play about adoption SAME SAME DIFFERENT but came as a special guest to one of the performances and took part in the post-show discussion.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?

My day job is advising Private Equity Funds on the tax implications of their investments in fast-growth UK-headquartered businesses. I’m also a school governor at Marcus Rashford’s old primary school in Wythenshawe, a newly-appointed trustee of the Royal Exchange Theatre and mum to three amazing small children.

International Women’s Day is championing the #BreakTheBias – how do you think theatre/creativity can help to do that?

My 7-year-old daughter has seen a female Prime Minister, a woman develop a Covid vaccine, and two women present Strictly Come Dancing. She thinks women can do anything. She loves girl bands, female rock stars and musicals with strong female characters, like Matilda, Annie and Six. Art plays a part in breaking down stereotypes. You can’t be what you can’t see.

What can we all do more of to advocate for equality?

Don’t be a bystander; call out discrimination when we see it. If you’re in a meeting and someone repeatedly speaks over a woman then speak out. Call out things like catcalling and offensive “banter”. If someone is uncomfortable then it’s not funny.

What steps do you take to help you to create an inclusive environment in your work/school/community?

I was chair of the women’s network at a former employer. True inclusion means wholeheartedly embracing different perspectives, approaches and points of view.

What three top tips that you would choose to pass on to other women so that they can get the most out of 2022?

• Curate your social media feed: hide accounts that make you sad or angry, life is too short
• Volunteer for something on a regular basis: you meet interesting people, learn new skills and feel good about yourself
• Don’t underestimate the impact of exercise for making you feel great. I always hate going out for a run but feel amazing afterwards

Tell us about a woman that inspires you? 

Jess Phillips for the courageous way she stands up for victims of violence and abuse. On International Women’s Day each year, she reads out a list of women killed by male violence. She’s trying to create real change.