CIPD colleagues talk about their daughters’ views on work on International Women’s Day.

‘Over the half term holiday, I took my 10 -year old daughter to Bletchley Park. I was struck again by the critical role that women played during the war. My daughter was less impressed. Don’t get me wrong, she loved the visit and was fascinated by the Bletchley story, but was indignant to hear that (with a few notable exceptions) the female workforce largely worked on administrative ‘mundane’ tasks. I explained that ‘things were different’ in the 1930s/40s, and that even allowing women to operate the equipment was controversial despite the enormous impact they went on to have.

But have we really made the progress that those pioneering female code-breakers would have hoped for? I tell my daughter that she can be whatever she wants to be when she grows up, but for that to happen we need to continue to focus on creating diverse and gender-balanced workforces – at all levels and across all sectors.’

Victoria Winkler, Professional Development Director, CIPD

With a teen daughter at sixth form, we often chat about ideas for jobs she could do in the future or her higher education options. Out of the blue, the other day she said she’d be interested in doing an apprenticeship in air traffic control! ‘I don’t want to be stuck in an office’ said she, dismissively, knowing full well that’s how her parents spend a good chunk of their time! (How about being stuck in a control tower for hours on end? I thought to myself... but didn’t rain on her parade.) I was, of course, very pleased she was so adventurous and open to something so different and new!

My daughter’s lively and opinionated - one of her favourite phrases is, ‘Urm, sorry but it’s 2019?’ implying whatever we’ve said is waaaayyy out of date! She’s a huge believer in equality – why wouldn’t she be, it’s 2019! I have every faith that she’ll never give in to being discriminated against in any way in life – she’d always question it for sure.

I like to think I’ve shown her a decent work ethic over the years. Even though I wasn’t always around when she was little to get her ready for school (instead I was commuting at silly o ‘clock up to London) we have a great bond and get really excited when we do get to spend time together. People say we’re really similar, but she’s also very like her dad in terms of being sporty, self-sufficient, witty and practical. All we can hope, as parents of girls on International Women’s Day is we’re bringing up balanced and resilient individuals who feel loved and supported to get out there and enjoy life – and be whoever they want to be!’

Johanna Ratcliffe, Social Media and Communities Manager, CIPD