International Women's Day 2024 Calls for Inspiring Inclusion

The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024, 'Inspire Inclusion', aims to forge a more inclusive world for women by embracing diversity and promoting their inclusion in all fields of work and endeavour. Penny Streeter OBE, a successful entrepreneur in South Africa and the UK, is supporting this year's theme, serving as an inspiring example for women who want a successful career. 

International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a global day recognising women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while calling for accelerating gender parity. The 'Inspire Inclusion' theme encourages individuals and organisations to actively promote and value women's inclusion, ensuring that women from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. 

"When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we make a better world," says Penny Streeter. "And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let's create a more inclusive world for women." 

To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, body image, and how they identify, she says. The 'Inspire Inclusion' campaign calls upon everyone to commit to inspiring inclusion through various initiatives, such as promoting women's economic empowerment, supporting women in leadership roles, and providing access to quality education and training. 

Penny, who built an international business empire despite once living in a homeless refuge, is a prime example of how determination and resilience can lead to success: 

"As someone who has faced numerous challenges on my entrepreneurial journey, I understand the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where women from all backgrounds can thrive. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire other women to pursue their business aspirations and break through barriers," said Penny. 

Penny's medical recruitment agency, A24Group, which she founded in 1996, now provides over 100,000 hours of work each week for healthcare professionals in the UK and South Africa. Penny has also built a successful wine, hospitality, and leisure business, the Leonardslee group, across both countries. This includes Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate at Hermanus, a producer of award-winning wines and visitor experiences, and the 750-acre Leonardslee vineyard estate in West Sussex, home to a Michelin Star restaurant and 240 acres of Grade I Listed Gardens. 

Penny was awarded the OBE for 'Services to Enterprise' in 2006 and named the South African Chamber of Commerce's Business Woman of the Year in 2019. 

She says that organisations and groups can inspire inclusion through action in areas such as recruiting, retaining, and developing diverse talent, supporting women and girls into leadership and decision-making roles, designing infrastructure that meets the needs of women and girls, and promoting the creative and artistic talent of women and girls. 

“By collectively working towards a more inclusive world, we can create a future where every woman has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. International Women's Day 2024 is a focus for everyone to join the 'Inspire Inclusion' movement and contribute to building a world where women are valued, respected, and empowered.”