This month hasn't just been one day of International Women's Day activity; there have been events every single day. In the same way that October in the UK is Black History Month, (as if black history weren't a part of the wider UK and world history 24-7), we have to make an effort to engage, champion and remind everyone that women are great and to be celebrated annually in March.
GIRLS I RATE IN MUSICWEEK!
All pics Credit - Jennie Baptiste.
Women in business, old, young, in music and more, are holding events aiming to empower themselves. My inbox has been full of invites to celebrate women, from GOOGLES IWD event, Downing St IWD event, South Banks IWD event and many, many more.
There's something infectious in the air, and shouting out loud about diversity, is this year's ice bucket challenge.
MUSIC TRIO STOOSHE REPRESENT AT THE FIRST ANNUAL GIRLS I RATE DINNER.
All pics Credit - Jennie Baptiste.
TERRI WALKER CHAMPIONS HER FEMALE PEERS AT THE GIRLS I RATE DINNER.
All pics Credit - Jennie Baptiste.
Women multi-task like Olympic athlete's but are still fighting for an equal playing field to men when it comes to salaries, benefits and profile?
GIRL POWER AT GIRLS I RATE.
All pics Credit - Jennie Baptiste.
The music industry has been under the fearful spotlight for years, panicking that music doesn't sell anymore and worrying that it's a dying industry. But look at the so-called saviours of the industry this year that are doing things on their own terms. Adele and Beyonce have kicked the status quo to the kerb and are doing it their way.
Women are finding a new voice and with unity and strength in numbers, they are not to be messed with. If all women had the courage to unite and speak up, each small step would make a difference. You have to call out bullsh*t in order to change it.
JASMINE WITH GIRLS I RATE FOUNDER CARLA MARIE WILLIAMS.
All pics Credit - Jennie Baptiste.
This past week star songwriter (Beyonce, Girls Aloud, Kylie) and music manager Carla Marie Williams made much press in the UK, on Channel 4 News, The Guardian, BBC Radio 4 and more after launching her GIRLS I RATE dinner- Nominating Women in the Creative Industries. Carla Marie has also been songwriter for a roll call of stars such as Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud and more.
JASMINE WITH BRAINY BEAUTY LIZZIE CUNDY AT GIRLS I RATE.
All pics Credit - Jennie Baptiste.
Carla hosted a star-studded Gala Dinner on a moored yacht on The Thames overlooking the South Bank, in celebration of diverse women's movement GIRLS I RATE.
A glittering Gala Dinner saw many women from the UK music industry gather to champion one another.
VICKI BAIN MADE AN INSIRING SPEECH.
All pics Credit - Jennie Baptiste.
The evening included keynote speeches from Vick Bain (CEO of BASCA) and Kanya King MBE (MOBO CEO), a champagne reception and 3-course meal created by former Atomic Kitten and Celebrity Masterchef winner Liz McClarnon.
The star-studded event saw the likes of Liz McClarnon, Preeya Kalidas, Stooshe, Terri Walker, Jorgie Porter, Kelle Bryan, Jessica Huie MBE and Lizzie Cundy walk the red carpet and come together to toast the occasion. Other celebrities in attendance included Angel Cole - Britain's Next Top Model finalist, Lizzie Cundy - Radio Presenter and personality, Zara Holland - Miss Great Britain and more.All successful women making their mark in the industry.
GIRLS I RATE, aim is to seek, nominate, celebrate and champion diverse women in the Creative Industries and we caught up with some of the ladies on the red carpet who were buzzing with excitement.
Carla told me...
"GIRLS I RATE is not only about celebration of success, it is also about creating future platforms to empower, mentor and support the next generation of diverse GIR girls and young women coming through across the industry. It is the start of something game changing, and we're in it for the long haul."
Former Atomic Kitten member Liz McLarnon helped put the delicious dinner menu together and also said ''One of the main challenges is that people believe that women are equal and we're not. When I was younger it was all about make up and the young girl thing and no respect as a musician, and now people just think I'm too old...so it goes on. My one regret is not knowing my own mind and being told what to do all the time by men''.
Female trio Stooshe enphasised ''if women stick together, that can enable a movement and inspire younger women to know that they are supported and embraced. We see too many men in suits everywhere we go. Where we were signed to a label it was mainly men running the label and telling us what to do and never bothered to get to know us or what we were about so we're happy that now we can express ourselves as we want to, our manager is now a woman so we feel more supported''
JASMINE WITH PREEYA KALIDAS AT GIRLS I RATE.
All pics Credit - Jennie Baptiste.
TV presenter and model Lizzie Cundy gushed ''I was in a football business where women weren't allowed to be now I see Karen Brady and I love that things re changing. People think that women don't know about football or politics, I have so many examples of when people have asked 'what would you know, you're a girl' so I'm fighting for women's rights. Don't underestimate us''
JASMINE WITH MOBO AWARDS CEO KANYA KING.
All pics Credit - Jennie Baptiste.
It takes the Carla's of this world to brave the storm, and speak up when her peers may not be so brave, or worry about negative repercussions.
We need more Carla's to stand up and be counted. After all, they say if you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything.
In the pursuit of excellence there is no finish line.