#IWD2025: award winning women
March 8 is International Women’s Day, and this year we are spotlighting the incredible women at our Trust who have been recognised for their outstanding contributions.
We asked some of our award winners, “why do you think it’s important to celebrate women in your industry?”
Here’s what they had to say...
Sarah Van Staden, Support Worker, Involvement team
Award: Involvement Award, 2024 Quality Awards
Throughout history, women have always played essential roles that have made the world a better place. From the movements for voting rights, civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, labour rights and children’s rights to accomplishments in every field, including medicine, science, literature, and politics.
While International Women's Day has become a special day to highlight and celebrate women in all areas of life, it reminds us that women’s rights still differ across the globe and that many women continue to face inequality. International Women’s Day provides us with the opportunity to raise awareness of this and give these women a voice.
Diana Mukonoweshuro: Community Physical Health Lead
Award: People’s Choice Award, Exceptional People Award and Quality Awards 2024
Celebrating women in healthcare is important as it recognises their achievements, raises awareness of women’s contributions, their impact and influence. It highlights the acceptance of diversity and inclusion within the workforce.
According to data from the UK Higher Education Agency in 2021, around 89% of student nurses identified as female, therefore celebrating women who have achieved awards sets excellent precedence in organisations and promotes good role modelling to incentivise future leaders.
Rachael Sachdev: Clinical Service Manager, CAMHS Dynamic Support team
Award: Charity Award, 2024 Quality Awards
Celebrating women in any industry is crucial because it highlights our contributions, inspires future generations, and promotes diversity and inclusion. In mental health nursing, recognising women's achievements helps break stereotypes, encourages equal opportunities, and fosters innovation by embracing different perspectives. It also provides role models for young professionals, showing them that success is possible regardless of gender. By celebrating women, we create a more supportive and equitable environment where everyone can thrive.
Lorena Migdan: Security Operations Manager
Award: NAHS Awards (awards that celebrate the outstanding work of security teams across the NHS)
Celebrating women in the security industry is important because it highlights the valuable contributions they make to a traditionally male-dominated field. It not only promotes gender diversity and inclusion but also inspires more women to consider careers in security, helping to bridge the gender gap.
Recognising the achievements of women in this sector showcases their leadership, resilience, and expertise, reinforcing the message that the security industry thrives when it reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Ursula Lobo: Clinical Receptionist, Tolworth Hospital
Award: Unsung Hero Award, 2023 Quality Awards
I believe it’s fantastic that our Trust celebrates the women of our organisation. Women bring invaluable qualities such as care, compassion, and resilience, both in patient care and leadership. Recognising their contributions not only honours their hard work but also inspires younger colleagues, reinforcing that our Trust is a great place to work and learn from inspirational women.
Melissa Heath: Strategy Support Officer, co-chair of the Women's Network
Award: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, 2024 Quality Awards
I think it’s important to celebrate women in the NHS as we make up around 71% of the workforce at South West London and St George's alone, and have an amazing array of talent and skills. With initiatives such as the menopause policy supporting colleagues, we need to give women their flowers when we can, recognise the impact they have on other colleagues, service users, carers and their families and help retain the excellent staff to continue to make life better together.
Emily Downey: Better Communities Programme Delivery Manager, co-chair of the Women’s Network
Award: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, 2024 Quality Awards
Across the NHS, women make up nearly 75% of the workforce and do amazing things every single day to make a positive difference to people’s lives. As co-chair of the Women’s Staff Network we have funded training for 15 accredited Menopause Champions for the Trust to help raise awareness and create a more understanding workplace. We will continue to support our champions through quarterly check-ins and a dedicated Teams channel to keep the conversations flowing.
