Every year on 8 March, people across the world celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and pledge to take action for gender equality. The theme for 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge, to encourage everybody to challenge and raise awareness of gender bias and take action for equality.
To celebrate we have spoken to some of our inspirational women. Check out their profiles below.
Bilan Jama, Senior Occupational Therapist
I work in the elective orthopaedics team, but due to the pandemic, my caseload has grown to include patients for other elective procedures, too. One of the primary goals of my role is to try to maximise patients’ functional independence and ensure that they can safely manage their essential daily tasks (+/- support) on discharge.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Several people inspire me, each for different reasons, but my greatest sources of inspiration are my parents. After fleeing civil war 30 years ago, they built a new successful life in a foreign land whilst facing many challenges. Their resilience, perseverance and strength inspire and motivate me every day.
When are you at your happiest?
When I am with my loved ones, seeing them happy and healthy makes me happy.
Clemmie Skilton, Midwife
I work in the Central Delivery Suite in a team of specialists who help to deliver babies safely into the world. I feel privileged to care for women and partners at such a precious and pivotal time of their life.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My dad! The hardest-working, funniest guy I know. He taught me everything about work ethic, treating all people with respect and leading by example - all with a healthy dose of humour thrown in!
When are you at your happiest?
At the beach, with my children, husband and dog.
Marcia Dawkins, Theatre Coordinator
As a theatre coordinator, I facilitate for all specialities to access a theatre in a timely fashion for their patients to have surgery. It is for me to ensure that the right staff are in the right place at the right time and that the patients are in a safe environment to have their surgery.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I will have to say my mother was very much an influence on me and taught me lots, she taught me to be proud of who and what I am, to be respectful to others, no matter what, and most importantly to never give up, no matter what challenges I face.
When are you at your happiest?
When I’m with my daughter. I just did not appreciate how she would impact our lives. She makes me proud with her strength and determination; you may ask who she gets that from! It runs in the family.
Sarah Rudd, Clinical Librarian
As a clinical librarian, I provide evidence to support clinical and non-clinical work and research within the trust through literature searches. I also provide training in use of evidence (for example, critical appraisal, and literature searching).
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My 3rd and 4th grade teacher, Mrs Simpson. She encouraged me to read everything! As a 9 and 10 year old this was fiction a lot of the time, but she also encouraged me to read non-fiction. She engendered a curiosity for information in me and a love of knowledge that resulted in me retraining to become a librarian in my 30’s. I wish I was able to thank her. I believe that teachers like Mrs Simpson, at that stage in life, are really important, because they help shape our curiosity about life and our love for finding out more. I hope you knew someone like her.
When are you at your happiest?
At home relaxing, crocheting or reading, with my family around me.
Sarah Wheatley, Senior Infection Control Nurse
I worked as an Operational Matron until September last year then joined the Digital Transformation Team. When the second wave of the pandemic hit I was redeployed into Infection Prevention Control. In this role, I provide leadership to a team that supports clinical teams.
This role is varied and has many aspects, all of which I enjoy and have a strong patient focus.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I did a pre-nursing course prior to starting my training at college and struggled academically at school, so I felt as though I had a lot of catching up to do. I’d always wanted to be a nurse and the tutors on the course inspired me and encouraged me to achieve my goal.
When are you at your happiest?
I have a large extended family and I’m happiest when I’m with them. Also, when I’m running – I took it up in 2016 when my dad passed away and I love it.
Bernice Hayles, Senior Neuro Physiotherapist
I am a senior neuro physiotherapist who has recently started a new role as Neuro Spinal Practitioner. I am also a Cultural Ambassador.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Fiona Stephenson is a specialist nurse who I worked with whilst volunteering in Haiti and Nepal after the earthquake. She now travels the world consulting on spinal injury management.
When are you at your happiest?
Paddle-boarding at sunset.
Rebecca Winterborn, Consultant Vascular Surgeon
I am a Consultant Vascular Surgeon within the Bristol Bath and Weston Vascular Network. I also hold a number of Clinical Leadership roles. I am Clinical Lead within NBT for the Perform Academy and also for Hospital at Home. I was recently appointed as a Clinical Lead for the West of England Academic Health Sciences Network.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
One of my music teachers at secondary school, Mr Osborn. He showed great vulnerability and courage as a performer and encouraged me to show my feelings through writing and playing music. He instilled in me a love of jazz and an appreciation of playing in a group. There are many parallels between music, surgery and leadership. I believe my values of honesty, authenticity, courage and team work stem from my creative side.
When are you at your happiest?
Playing music, writing songs and dancing.
Monira Chowdhury, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
I’m Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) which I started in October 2020.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
There have been a few inspirational teachers including my junior schoolteacher, Miss Saunders, and secondary school head-teacher Miss Dunn. My first manager, Carmen Beckford (one of the Seven Saints of St. Pauls) and the two other great black women who chaired organisations I worked in as chief officer.
I’m also inspired by lots of strong women - Doreen Lawrence, Toni Morrison, Angela Davis, Maya Angelou, Dianne Abbott, Michelle Obama. Also, many of the fabulous individuals I’ve worked with to fight inequalities over the decades, led by Lord Ouseley.
When are you at your happiest?
Making time to read a good book, listening to music and meeting up with friends & family; I love organising community shows & events, and enjoying learning new cooking and, at this current time, listening to my other half recording music and music videos.
Simimole George, Matron
I'm a Clinical Matron for Trauma and Orthopaedics in NBT
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The most influential people in my life are my parents, who taught me the values in life that made me what I am today.
When are you at your happiest?
When I’m doing a long road trip. I like to stop, stay, see the place and enjoy street food specific to that place,