International Women’s Day 2023
Elly Fiorentini, Senior Journalist Communities,
BBC Radio York
“When I was asked to write a piece about International Women’s Day and what it means to me, I had to take time to sit and reflect about how great we are. It made me realise that we probably never stop and think about our achievements. Do any of us ever have time to?
I’m not a mother (medical, not choice), I won’t ever be a granny and I haven’t made those school gate friendships which seem to last a lifetime and build a solid foundation when support is needed.
IWD 2023
#EmbraceEquity is the theme for IWD 2023. Here Elly strikes the pose.
Read more here
And yet I still have that important role to play in life as a daughter, a big sister, an auntie, a godmother to many and a radio professional.
International Women’s Day makes me think about the women in my life who have been with me every step of the way. The women who have fought adversity and searched for the truth. We see examples of this every day around the world. I’ve seen examples of those women every day through work too, and played an important part in getting their stories told.
My mum was there through the good and bad - what a strong woman. She was such a wise woman. An Irish immigrant who left her homeland to find work and build a new life with my dad. It can’t have been easy and despite being homesick, she made many friends over the years. I can only imagine how tough it was for her being away from home with no family here. She always had the right answer, advice and so much unconditional love. A woman who taught her three daughters to be strong, independent, kind, caring and always search for and fight for the truth. Something we all strive to do in our personal and professional lives.
My sisters are an inspiration. One is a senior nurse and has faced so many challenges balancing work and bringing up a family. A stressful job which she loves and I know that patients and their families are at the heart of what she does. Balancing is something many women do but it’s just accepted as being normal. I think it’s extraordinary. I see how mums in my office juggle their lives on a daily basis whilst still maintaining a professional approach to what they do and with a smile.
My other sister helps those who have survived sexual abuse. A tough role but I know how hard she fights to make sure they have the support they need to cope with what has happened to them. I have great admiration for anyone who works in the charity sector these days. They face incredible demands on their services whilst trying to source enough money to keep them going.
Through my roles as a presenter and journalist it has been a privilege to give women a voice as they have shared their stories on BBC Radio York.
There are too many women I admire to mention here but I would like to mention the three female counsellors who helped me at different stages of my life. They accepted me for who I was and never judged me. They were kind, supportive, understanding, strong and passionate. They listened and used their expertise to support me. Counselling is good for the soul and should never be seen as failing – I think it is a sign of great strength to admit that you need help.
All the women I have mentioned have shaped the person I have become, from being a baby to an adult. They have offered love, guidance, professional support, laughter, wisdom and honesty for that I’ll always be grateful. I wonder who the women are who have inspired you?
On this International Women’s Day look for the good in other women and together we can support each other and try to make the world a better place”.
Elly Fiorentini, March 2023
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are delighted to be holding a fundraising Quiz Night on 14th March in Fulford (men welcome too!). Loads of fun guaranteed, and any funds raised will help us to continue to deliver our life-changing counselling work. Buy your tickets here!
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Making a donation to York Women’s Counselling will enable us to continue supporting women across York when they needs it most. Without the generosity of our supporters we simply wouldn’t be able to do what we do. Thank you.
