We are proud to, once again, be supporting International Women’s Day. For 2024, the theme is #InspireInclusion and across the Torus Group, we are committed to a culture of inclusion which values everyone.

Marked annually on 8 March, International Women’s Day is one of the most important days of the year to:

• Celebrate women’s achievements
• Educate and awareness raise about women’s equality
• Call for positive change advancing women
• Lobby for accelerated gender parity

Inspiring Inclusion

International Women’s Day isn’t just for women, it belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. This year, the theme is Inspire Inclusion to create a more inclusive world for women.

• When women aren't present, we must ask: "If not, why not?"
• When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice.
• When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must look for opportunity to take action.

At Torus, we are helping to forge gender equality in a number of ways.

As a member North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT), Torus Group Chief Executive, Steve Coffey has signed their Delivering Women in Leadership Charter, committing to help create gender inclusive teams. We have two female Directors who are members of NWBLT, Debbie Attwood, Group People Director, represents Torus on the Employment and Skills programme which provides an offer for mentoring. Christine Vaudrey, Director of Strategy and Communications, represents Torus as part of the Rising Stars Programme.

Out in the community, we are:

• Levelling the playing field in construction with our Women in Construction programme, combining customers who are supported by Torus Foundation with industry experience from HMS.
• Amplifying the voice of female customers through our Tenant Voice panels.
• Helping women suffering from domestic abuse through a commitment to safeguarding women and the work of the Safe to Speak Service.
• Give young women the opportunity to focus on their health and wellbeing through FireFit’s women-only gym and girls football team.

Our colleagues have been getting involved in this year’s Inernational Women’s Day by striking the #InspireInclusion pose.

Our Inspirational Women

We have also spoken to some of our female colleagues and customers to find out how they inspire or have been inspired.

Molly Addison
M+E Scheduling Team Manager, HMS

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, it can sometimes be difficult to stand out and feel comfortable. But times are changing, and women now have more opportunities to break down those barriers.

There are so many women within our organisation who have incredible talents and skills to offer and it's crucial that we support and encourage each other every day.

I would have loved to have learnt a trade when leaving school, but at the time it was certainly not encouraged for young girls. I have visited schools and colleges, to reassure girls and young women that equal opportunities are available and that it’s absolutely ok to pursue a career in construction as a woman.

To me “Inspiring Inclusion” means creating a safe space where everyone feels welcome and everyone feels valued and included. Being open to celebrating our differences and who we are as individuals and promoting diversity in our organisation. I feel strongly about tackling discrimination in the workplace, as all discrimination is learnt behaviour, meaning we, as human beings, can learn not to be like this. Encouraging this agenda will hopefully inspire others to be brave, to jump on board and make waves to change an outdated embedded culture.

Helen Cibinda Ntale
Head of Health and Wellbeing, Torus Foundation

To me, Inspire Inclusion means leading by example in the way that I talk and behave with colleagues and others I come into contact with professionally, sharing my working experiences as a woman openly to encourage women to have career aspirations and strong self-belief. I was very inspired early in my career by working as a PA to a Chief Executive who shared her knowledge and experience generously with me and also asked for my feedback on issues, recognising that no matter what level you work at you have a valid and valuable contribution to make.

Katie Henshaw
Involved Tenant

Inspiring inclusion, for me, is having an inclusive role model or key figure that gives you the inspiration to reach your full potential by example and push past any barriers in the way.

Linda Freeman
Involved Tenant

The strength, determination, struggle, power and sassiness of the women living in my community inspire me to walk with a sway in my hips and pep in my step!

If you would like to join #TeamTorus, visit our careers page.