We asked Michelle Reid, our Chief Executive to share her thoughts on the day. Here's what she had to say.

What is your proudest achievement at Merthyr Valleys Homes to date?

Honestly I feel proud every day to work for Merthyr Valleys Homes.

I take the greatest pride in the things that we achieve together. I think the way we all came through the pandemic together was amazing. I was proud of the way that we all looked out for each other, whilst changing decades of working practices in a matter of days and weeks. We worked through problems and came up with the safest, fairest solutions together, as a mutual organisation should. I’m proud of so many things that we achieve, in all parts of our business. Most recently I think helping to introduce a 4-day week has the potential to be an absolute game changer for colleagues at MVH and across the sector. On International Women’s Day I’m also proud that we have a positive gender pay gap at MVH, which means we pay women fairly and recognise their worth.

This year’s theme for IWD is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, what does this mean to you?

For me it means using every opportunity to promote and embed the fact that we are all equal and diverse, and to make sure that MVH really delivers on being a mutual for everyone. I’m delighted that Board and Democratic Body have seen the importance of this to the success of our organisation, and am looking forward to welcoming our new Head of Culture and Inclusion, Mena Fombo, to MVH later this month. On International Women’s Day we rightly focus on ensuring the voices of women and girls are heard, amplified, and listened to within our mutual, and I’m proud to be part of an all-female Executive Team for the first time in my career. Our Board and Democratic Body have great gender balance, and women are well-respected throughout MVH. 

Who is your biggest female inspiration?

Every woman I know, because whoever she is, she has a story to tell. Particularly I’m inspired by women who have extra layers of inequity to wade through before being seen as equal.

My biggest male inspiration is every man who is a brilliant ally to women, even when no one is watching, who recognises discrimination and inequity, who calls it out, and who fights alongside us to eradicate it. I’m lucky to work with some brilliant male allies across Merthyr Valleys Homes and the housing sector.

What is your advice for women wanting to progress in work?

I guess I would say look for employers who deserve you. The employers who make it clear that as a woman in the workplace (cis and trans) you will be seen, valued and respected equally alongside your male colleagues. Look for those employers who back that up with good policies, terms and conditions and practices that demonstrates to you that they have thought about you and your needs. If you make sure you’re working in an environment where that’s happening, it’s much easier to grow and develop your career. Say yes to as many opportunities as you can. Don’t be put off from applying for a role if you don’t meet every single point on a person specification. Call out discrimination if you see it. Finally make sure that the organisation’s values match your own.