#InspireInclusion

This International Women’s Day, we asked the industry how they prioritise and include women in their businesses

International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year’s theme, #InspireInclusion, came from a Gloria Steinem quote: “The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights”.

So, how are businesses in the aesthetics industry incorporating this message into their work?

RECRUITING AND NURTURING FEMALE TALENT

Dr Natalie Haworth, clinical director at The Doctor and Company, experienced pregnancy discrimination in the NHS, which has shaped her clinic ethos and policies.

“Optimising work and home life is something I am passionate about as, done correctly, it means I can have career satisfaction and be a present mum. My employees are currently all female, so it’s of further importance that I contribute to an improvement in the working lives of women,” she explains.

Dr Natalie Haworth

“Our clinic offers a maternity pay scheme and appropriate flexible working, which are fairly unique for a business of its size. As well as these big-ticket items, I carry this ethos through to small details by providing personal care, food, and drinks during working hours.”

Chemical engineer and founder of Skin Masterclass, Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz, prioritises inclusivity in her hiring and working processes.

“As an employer, I take an inclusive approach. I do this by recruiting talent across the globe based on individual skill sets and from a broad range of ethnic and religious backgrounds and sectors. Once on board, I also like to offer employees a flexible working arrangement that fits with their lifestyles, life commitments and individual needs. We are fluid in the way that we operate as a business, and I believe that this has been key in the success of our business to date.”

WORKING FROM THE TOP DOWN

Putting women in senior leadership roles helps with the effects of discrimination throughout a company. Suse Alexander from Evolus is hopeful about the future.

“I’m pleased to share the appointment of Maria Cudeiro as general manager for Spain, Portugal and Switzerland, meaning Evolus International now has two women in direct country leadership roles,” she says. “I've also been inspired by the conversations in our ‘Women at Evolus’ network, including career progression, gender balance in leadership and mentorship. As a people leader of a strong female team in the UK, these are topics close to my heart. Step-by-step, evolution happens.”

PRIORITISING EDUCATION

Being a midwife has influenced Laura Cromie, as inclusive working practices are ingrained into her and reflected in her work at RV Aesthetics Clinic. She believes empowering her patients to make informed decisions makes her approach inclusive.

“Empowering people to make informed decisions is one of the most effective ways to be inclusive; knowledge is power and should be shared. “

Laura Cromie

Yilmaz also believes that education is the foundation of inclusion.

“We each hold a personal responsibility to inspire and cultivate an inclusive environment, and my absolute priority when developing the Skin Masterclass curriculum is ‘education for all’,” she explains.

“I believe that to be effective, education must be inclusive. Investment in effective education and training is integral to successfully responding to the changing and individual needs of patients and is a cornerstone for individuality and inclusivity in the industry.”

PATIENT JOURNEY

Marketing is the beginning of the patient journey, so Dr Olivia McCabe-Robinson, owner of Dr Olivia MediSpa, likes to ensure that her marketing displays diversity.

Dr Olivia McCabe-Robinson

“Our marketing materials are diverse, ensuring all genders, ethnicities, ages, and abilities are represented; I want to help ensure aesthetics are as inclusive as possible. Similarly, every client receives personal consultations that celebrate who they are by taking a holistic approach. A one-size-f its-all approach has no place in modern-day aesthetics.”

Dr Pradnya Apte, clinic director at Skin Southwest, aims to create a respectful environment for all her patients, including women with all kinds of identities.

“Our practice’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone feels respected and valued during their treatments and free from judgment based on their appearance. We proudly embrace diversity, providing a welcoming environment for all patients, including transgender individuals.”

Acknowledging that sexism and other forms of discrimination go hand-in-hand brings us together, allowing us to recognise and empathise with the struggles of others and centre the voices that need to be heard.