International Women’s Day 2024

Our “Bloody Brilliant Women” Lunchtime Supper Club

International Women’s Day this year was a good ‘un. It does kinda annoy me that the world only focuses on us amazing females for one day, we should be shining a light across us the whole year round (which let’s be honest, we at Goho do). But what IWD does very nicely is act as a catalyst for change. It jogs peoples (and organisations) memories, gives them a little nudge to buck their ideas up, and kicks them up the arse to remember that women are STILL not paid the same as their peers, menopause isn't treated fairly or appropriately, maternity leave still isn't seen as positive and often stunts career progression, and women's actions in the workplace, despite being the same as men, are often looked upon negatively.

For example, when a woman is taking control, she’s called “bossy”, when a man does it, it’s called “Leadership”. When a woman enters into a situation she isn't an expert in, she’s called “stupid”, a man is called “brave”.  You get the gist.

These were just some of the points we touched upon at our lunch. The theme for this year was Inspiring Inclusion, so we got our thinking caps on and did what we do best here at Goho, delivered a Bloody Brilliant Event.

Inspired by the theme for this year, we partnered with our amazing client, Tile Hill, and Two Sisters Supperclub to create a menu which was inspired by “Bloody Brilliant British Women”. Each course would be inspired by each of these amazing women’s careers and backgrounds, to make not just a bloody delicious menu, but also a brilliant talking point for our supper club.

From Dame Carolyn McCall, who was the CEX at the Guardian when I started there, and properly inspired me to shatter the glass ceiling and be a leader, to Baroness Amos, who was not only the first Black woman to be appointed to the cabinet, as well as leader of the House of Lords, she was also the first Black woman to head a UK University. How's that for trailblazing? 

The other courses were inspired by Sharon Cuter who founded the Afropolitan makeup brand UOMA, but also launched the Pull Up for Change campaign. The online initiative launched with the intention to hold companies accountable by publicly declaring the number of black employees organisations had on their leadership teams. By putting pressure on companies to be transparent about diversity, it is estimated that over 4,000 Black professionals have found new work, while the subsequent Impact fund provides grants to support emerging Black Founders and businesses.

Lastly, we honoured Angela Hartnett, whose Father emigrated to Wales from Italy.  Angela is known for her tenacity and drive, not just succeeding but leading the way in an almost exclusively male dominated industry. Angela is campaigning to raise the profile of the challenges facing the hospitality industry and is outspoken trying to drive changes within Government Policy.

Drinks were created using Etan Rum, another amazing client of ours. Not only is this artisan, award winning rum absolutely delicious, but it’s owned and run by five sisters. How cool is that?! Another group of incredible women, leading the way in a man’s world. It’s no surprise that most drinks brands are created and owned by men, and women led brands account for only 10% of the investment made in new brands. (Meaning men get 90%, WTF)?! That tells me that Women are doing it for themselves. IMAGINE what could happen if some of that investment capital was directed to us? Madness isn't it.

Our guests were also inspiring to say the very least, we hosted Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, who also delivered a keynote speech for us, and the tables talked constantly for almost four hours. Senior officials from Government, the Big Four, International Tech Companies, and trailblazing Entrepreneurs all joined together. The guestlist was exceptional and I came away from the day raring to go, churning round ideas for how I was going to inspire future generations, and colleagues to stand up, and have the pride and confidence to be the best we can be.

Cllr Bramble said in her speech, “I’m often asked, how did you get your seat at the table, and I reply, I bring my own chair”.  Now that’s inspiring, don’t make excuses, don’t wait for someone else to give you what you think you deserve, go out there and get it. 

After an afternoon of networking, chatting, eating and drinking, our guests were bid adieu with a Bloody Brilliant Goody Bag, which was full to bursting with goodies from other amazing female run brands. 

We had miniatures of Etan Rum, gorgeous hand cream from Cotswold Lavender Company, mini hand creams made solely from fruit waste from FRUU, the most delicious vegan chocolate from Play in Choc, Gut friendly Granola from Bio & Me, incredible face wash and cosmetic bags from Skin Genius, freshly ground coffee from Redemption Roasters, Organic sanitary items from Organyc, Moisturizing facial mist from Lavera, Organic Haskap Berry Juice Shops from Haskapa, Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner from Nanogen, and lastly, fresh, home-made marshmallows from Hope and Mallow. Now I’ve left this one til last as I wanted to give a particular shout out to Emily, the Founder. 

“Every order you make helps me and my three children buy milk from the shops, pencils for drawing and money to finally take them to the zoo. The name Hope & Mallows refers to our journey from fleeing a marriage with abuse to life at a refuge and the whole process of leaving an abuser”, says Emily.

“I want to illustrate what coercive control looks like, and the practical path for people to get out of domestic abuse so we can all lead the happy life we deserve”.

Girl, do you deserve it?!  Read Emily’s blog here.

I’m so proud we delivered this event, and it was so, so good. Emma Foley, of Two Sisters Supper Club (and who was also a previous finalist on Masterchef), created and delivered the menu and all the delicious food and cocktails we enjoyed. She said a few words too,

“As a single Mum to two girls, I’m so proud to have been part of this incredible celebration. I LOVE cooking, but rarely get the time nowadays as I have to work full time to support my kids. I was anxious beforehand, I was questioning myself, Have you still got it? Can you still do it? But I have and I did. This was a fitting end to a week where I’ve marveled at how much pressure we can withstand. To strong women everywhere, may we be them, may we know them, and may we raise them”.

I couldn’t have put it better myself.  Happy International Women’s Day everyone. 

Let’s make a difference, and make it last.