International Women’s Day

Superdrug X MM
(In partnership with Modern Muse
(a charity set up to inspire and motivate young girls)

Superdrug Head office, Croydon, Friday 8th March.
EVENT write up By BECCI @ONE.BUSY.MOTHER

Hosted by TV presenter AJ Odudu, and joined by an absolute powerhouse of BOSS women panelist’s, including our very own Jenny Scott, was Clemmie Telford, Dr Pixie McKenna,and Superdrug’s Head of people, Amy Davis.

We drank fresh juice, feasted on a buffet that dreams are made of (everything from mini cheesecakes to fruit salads and pastries galore) and we listened to the panel discuss


‘What are the issues facing women today?’

Is technology helping or hindering ?’

And is ‘Having it all what modern women want ?’


Some hard facts were brought up by Clemmie .....
One in 7 girls in developing countries are married before the age of 15 .....
Only 20% of senior management rolls are held by women in this country,
And Only 22.8% of national parliamentarians are women.


So, although celebrating international women’s day is a major step forward, we still have got a long way to go globally, to reach a place of equality.


Clemmie said that she finds it frustrating to think that she raises her sons and daughter as equals, only to believe that when they eventually go off to work they are likely to be treated differently because of their sex. Thankfully more companies, like Superdrug are now celebrating and embracing diversity, inclusion and equality, and this is the start of a major change in the workplace for women, and one that hopefully our children will benefit from. Clemmie also advised that women stand their ground and own motherhood whilst at the workplace, being firm in decisions and asking for what you believe you are entitled to.


Social media and today’s technology was discussed and bought both positive and negatives to the panelist’s lives. The fact an entire business can be run on your phone on Instagram obviously being a huge plus, but that screen times are now going through the roof, and mindless scrolling is taking over, with constant comparisons to others, and images of perfection, often causing us to feel inadequate or anxious. Dr Pixie also mentioned the fact our teens now spend most of their time online scrolling or gaming (something that I really can’t get my head round with my own teenage son) sitting in a room chatting on headsets, seriously what has happened to meeting up at the local park? What is it going to be like in another 10 years time?


But do women want to have it all ? A resounding yes, why not? But also remembering it’s the everyday things that are really important, putting your kiddies to bed, knowing they are safe and warm, enjoying a cup of tea and a Mr Kipling cake and watching Netflix (thx Jen for keeping it real)


Sisters, Mothers and friends gave our panelist’s inspiration, drive and support in life, females boosting each other up, sharing experiences, celebrating and supporting each other. All pushing each other forward and inspiring women to ‘have it all’ Instagram followers Being a strong community of support and drive for our panelist’s too.


I was horrified to learn that women spend a third of their lives in menopause, yes really!!!! and on top of that we have pregnancy, child birth and periods to deal with. Pretty good job that we are all lifting each other up and having super power coffee mornings like this one to get us through.


With also a chance for some pampering and the opportunity to get your boobs checked with coppafeel, Superdrug really did have this event fully covered. I left (with not only an absolutely amazing goodie bag that my daughter and I have had great fun rummaging through) but also hope and reassurance that both my daughters are growing up in a very different world to the one our mothers and grandmothers grew up in, feeling hopeful thay one day they will work for a company like Superdrug who are empowering women and supporting equality.


Thanks for an absolutely amazing morning Superdrug, and MM for bringing us together and once again driving home that women have the Superpower .....and we must never forget it!


Photos by the fab @kellyreevesphotography