I’ve been seeing and reading all this years International Women’s Day posts with great joy, and more than a little inspiration!
The theme is a really interesting one, and something I’ve found thought-provoking: Give To Gain.
What does that mean?
Should we all be ‘giving’ just to gain, or receive? And gain what?
Recognition, status, accolades maybe. I say this as someone who, although working in the social enterprise sector for more than two decades and running a sustainable catering social enterprise in Balsall Heath for the past 16 years, has been somewhat overwhelmed by having received some notable recognition recently, both regionally and nationally. I’m not used to the spotlight but understand its also part of my responsibility as CEO to advocate on behalf of our enterprise but also (importantly) for the staff team.
Our staff team, and volunteers seeking work experience, are from all backgrounds and ethnicities as well as both genders. But we don’t usually refer to gender in our social enterprise world because we’re person-centred, not gender-focused.
Yes, we can be hyper-conscious of the person standing in front of us, whether it’s an interview, someone coming in for our Community Fridge, a booking enquiry, or a local partner organisation such as Fareshare Midlands, but I’ve always believed that equity and kindness matters.
Not everyone needs the same support delivered in the same way but one thing I’m sure about… everyone matters.
I’ve been grateful to have been given time, energy, inspiration, hope, and challenge by some incredible people. As a female founder, having great mentors and people who treat you as valued, knowledgeable and with respect, is what I’ve gained and also endeavour to practice every day, in every conversation, with every person.
The best ‘give’ I can make is sharing my commitment to making the world a better, fairer more equitable society for all. I do this through food.
Making food, encouraging new kitchen skills, catering climate-friendly food, sharing food with people, caring about food waste systems, changing the dial on food injustice, and by wanting to be the change I want to see – that being a brighter future for all.
What do I think of our latest Gen22 young people?
They are the future, they are amazing!
I’m committed to supporting the next generation to gain from the lessons I’ve been given across the years. To take the opportunities they can now be given and to make the changes they want for their own futures. Equally, I (and the team) learn so much from them!
Let’s keep #GiveToGain and then ‘give’ again… giving and gaining is infinite, and a two-way street!
CEO and Female Founder | ChangeKitchen CIC – and my thanks to the brilliant Edwin Ladd for the lovely IWD photograph!
