International Women's Day 2023 is a day of celebration, reflection and inspiration for women around the world. It is a day to acknowledge the progress that has been made towards gender equality, and to recognise the ongoing struggle for women's rights.

At an event hosted by Black Professionals Scotland and Aegon & Aegon Asset Management, attendees had the pleasure of hearing from Sophie Williams, who gave a powerful speech about the intersection of gender and race. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, reminding us all of the importance of recognising the diverse experiences of women and the unique challenges that women of colour face.

Sophie Williams is a writer, speaker, and coach who has dedicated her career to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. She is the author of the book “Millennial Black,” which explores the experiences of Black women in the workplace, and has been featured in numerous media outlets for her work on race and gender issues.

In her speech, Sophie Williams highlighted the ways in which gender and race intersect, and how this intersectionality affects the experiences of women of colour. She spoke about the ways in which women of colour are often overlooked and underrepresented in the workplace, and the additional barriers they face in trying to advance their careers.

But Sophie's message was not one of despair or hopelessness. Instead, she urged the audience to take action, to become allies to women of colour, and to actively work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society. She encouraged everyone to educate themselves on issues of race and gender, to speak out against discrimination and injustice, and to support the voices of women of colour.

Sophie's speech was a reminder of the importance of intersectionality, and how essential it is to recognise and celebrate the diverse experiences of women. It was also a call to action, challenging us all to work towards a future where all women, regardless of their race or ethnicity, are treated with respect, dignity and equality.

As we celebrate International Women's Day 2023, and the theme “Embrace Equity”, let us take inspiration from Sophie's words, and commit ourselves to creating a better world for all women. Let us work towards a future where women of colour are no longer marginalised, but are celebrated for their unique perspectives and contributions. And let us continue to strive towards gender equality, until every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential