BASW Celebrates International Women's Day!

This year's theme - Give To Gain - emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When we give generously, opportunities and support for women and girls increase. It means calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women's success, and more.

To celebrate this theme, we asked some of our coaches, mentors and members to share their advice, knowledge, encouragement and words of inspiration for other women in social work.

Thank you to Siobhan Ojarimoni, Lynne Peyton and Mandy-Jane Lace for taking the time to share their important reflections with us.

Siobhan Ojarimoni (BASW England Mentor)

On International Women’s Day, we proudly celebrate the strength, dedication, and impact of women in social work. 

This profession calls for leadership, compassion, advocacy, reflective practice, professional curiosity, being an educator, alongside the resilience to balance emotional demands with professional strength. Despite its challenges, social work offers a profound sense of purpose and the opportunity to create meaningful, lasting change in people’s lives. Mentoring allows us to support and encourage other Social Workers to build on confidence, skills and knowledge to find the suitable roles in the profession to promote that change. 

We recognise that all lives matter and the difference we can make in individuals’ lives are life changing. Through continuous learning, collaboration, and a commitment to self‑care, women in social work continue to lead with integrity, humility, patience, courage, and empathy. Through mentorship, we recognise, support, and honour the valuable contribution of women who inspire, empower, and make a difference every day. 

We never forget who we are as a person and a strong woman as a Social Worker. Be humble, Be proud of yourself, Be kind to yourself, and keep Promoting change. 

Happy International Woman Day!

MJ Lace (BASW Student Ambassador & BASW Cymru Committee Member)

From one woman in social work to another - social work will ask a lot of you. It will ask for your heart, your patience, and your courage. My first piece of advice is simple: never lose sight of why you came here. When the paperwork piles up and systems feel heavy, remember that this profession exists because people matter.

You will quickly learn that social work is not only about helping individuals. It is about navigating systems that do not always work the way they should. Some days you will feel like a guide. Other days you will feel like an advocate standing in the middle of a storm. Both are part of the job. Hold your ground kindly but firmly. As the writer Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Look after your boundaries as carefully as you look after others. Compassion is powerful, but it must sit alongside rest, reflection, and support. You are not meant to carry every story alone.

Find your allies. Social work is never truly done alone. Seek out colleagues who value honesty, humour, and solidarity. Share knowledge. Ask questions. And celebrate small victories together.

Finally, remember that change in social work is often slow. Systems move slowly, but people change through trust, dignity, and time. Never underestimate the quiet power of listening well and standing beside someone when their voice is not being heard.

You do not have to be perfect to make a difference. You only have to be present, ethical, and brave enough to keep showing up.

And that, truly, is the work. 

Lynne Peyton (BASW Professional Support Service Coach)

Calling all female social workers and social work leaders!

Put on your own oxygen mask first. My most common reflection is that working in complex systems requires recognition that overwhelm is often due to systemic failures rather than personal shortcomings.

Self care is an essential aspect of professionalism and leadership. Be brave enough to say no when appropriate and smart enough to ask for support that provides safe space to review and manage competing demands.

It's been such a privilege to work with so many truly committed, dedicated and inspiring social work leaders through BASW's Social Work Professional Support Service. Thank you for being amazing role models and leaders each and everyday.