This week, we have been celebrating Inspirational Women’s Week in the build-up to International Women’s Day on Saturday 8th March.

International Women’s Day has been observed for over a century, yet the journey towards true gender equality continues. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, reminds us that while progress has been made, there is still work to do in breaking down barriers, challenging bias, and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Women have always played a vital role in social housing. Octavia Hill, a pioneer in the field, laid the foundations for the sector in the 1860s by creating affordable housing for low-income families. Her approach was about more than just providing homes, it was about improving lives and strengthening communities. This philosophy continues to drive us today.

We are proud to have incredible women leading and shaping the future of housing within our organisation.

Recently, Tosin, Sonya, Claire, and Katie shared their journeys into social housing. They discussed what inspired them, the challenges they have faced, and the advice they would give to the next generation of women in the sector.

Starting her career abroad straight out of university with a specialism in finance, Tosin has since built an impressive career in housing. With nearly 20 years in the sector, she has gained extensive experience across multiple roles, making a lasting impact along the way. She also shares encouraging words to women in the sector, inspiring them to grow, challenge barriers, and seize new opportunities – “Believe in yourself from the focal point of ‘I can’, don’t doubt yourself in any way, trust yourself and advocate for other women, the heavens are the limit, so keep going”. Tosin:

With 28 years of experience in social housing and a career spanning multiple areas of the sector, Sonya has gained invaluable knowledge about the impact of good housing on communities. She understands that housing is about far more than just buildings it’s about the people who live in them and the opportunities a secure home can provide –  “A career in housing means helping people, it’s not just about bricks and mortar it’s about making a positive difference to people’s lives, their communities and their life choices by providing them with good homes in which they and this motivates me every day”.  Sonya:

As our Head of Development, and with many years of experience in housing, Claire brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the sector. She has seen first hand the opportunities available for women in housing and encourages the next generation to step forward with confidence – “The best advice is to ask lots of questions, don’t be afraid and be brave, there’s nothing to stop any young woman from being successful in a career in housing”. Claire:

Katie’s journey into social housing began supporting people with complex needs. As she progressed into management, she was introduced to data and performance monitoring, which sparked her passion for using business intelligence to enhance social housing services – “As a woman in housing, overcoming gender bias was a challenge, but by building expertise and proving my value, I gained the recognition and respect I deserved. My advice to my younger self? Trust in your abilities and embrace new challenges. Now, I aim to support and mentor young women entering the field, advocating for a more inclusive and equal housing sector”

But it’s not just Tosin, Sonya, Claire, and Katie who play a vital role in our day-to-day work, it’s all the women across our organisation who deliver essential services, ensuring our customers are safe and secure in their homes. Their hard work make a real difference in our communities every single day.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/h7-FFnZPzK8