by Camilla Ridley
This International Women's Day it's the brave women of Ukraine who need to be celebrated. Here's how you can show your support
Brave women of Ukraine pictured here protesting for support and to stop the war
International Women's Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and strives to promote a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world. As an ethically focused women’s fashion label, run by women, for women we’re 100% behind this movement and are in admiration of all the brilliant and brave women around the world striving for a fairer and more balanced future. And as the mother of a daughter, this mission resonates with me on so many levels.
The theme for this years International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias. The campaign statement on the IWD website reads: "Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day,” “We can break the bias in our communities. We can break the bias in our workplaces. We can break the bias in our schools, colleges and universities. Together, we can all break the bias - on International Women's Day (IWD) and beyond.” A rallying call I don’t think anyone can disagree with. IWD are also encouraging women to share photos of themselves with crossed arms in front of them to highlight the movement. And this is where my thinking slightly diverges.
Ordinarily I would have been all over this, and I have no doubt the team and wider community here at Ridley would be posting and sharing similar images. We would also be focusing promotional activity on the brilliant Smart Works charity who really put the International Women’s Day ethos into action by providing clothing, mentoring and support to build confidence, helping over 20,000 women across the UK into full time employment in the last 8 years. An outstanding achievement. But unfortunately these are far from ordinary times.
A few examples of the bespoke Ridley London printed floral silk dresses you could win if you donate £10 or more to the British Red Cross Ukraine appeal
The invasion of Ukraine has rocked the world and not only threatens to undermine women’s rights in this democratic country, but the equality, diversity and inclusiveness of the whole population. While it’s right to think about and celebrate the strides women have made and are making, I believe that our immediate actions need to be focussed on a humanitarian crisis that has already injured and killed hundreds of innocent people and is driving millions of innocent women and children from their homes. Add to this 20% of Ukraine's trained forces struggling to protect and help their people to safety are women, not to mention the thousands of female volunteers and you have a brilliant example of equality in action. That’s why on this International Women’s Day we’ll be focusing our efforts on continuing to raise funds to help The British Red Cross efforts in Ukraine. Here’s how you can help:
1. Donate £10 or more on our just giving page and you’ll be entered for a prize draw to win a bespoke Ridley dress. This will be drawn on 08 March at 10pm and we'll contact the winner directly.
2. Shop our Sample Sale for Ukraine on 08 March 2022 on-line and in store with an amazing array of styles, colours, sizes and bargains
We’re donating all the proceeds from these activities to the Red Cross Ukraine Fund on our just giving page. Let’s all hope that the barbaric bloodshed can cease and that this conflict can be speedily and effectively resolved so that next year’s International Women’s Day is a more peaceful and positive affair. In the meantime here’s to the courage, strength and resilience of the incredibly brave people of Ukraine. Surely values that embody the International Women's Day movement.
Ridley London's new spring collection of dresses, skirts, tops and blazers is available to purchase on-line and in Ridley's Barnes store. Celebrate your individuality this season with a unique piece that's individually crafted to flatter from your choice of any of our stunning new printed floral or solid silks or cottons. Or call us to arrange a virtual fitting:
Ridley London, 82 Church Road, Barnes, London SW13 0DQ T: 01730 823097