Action in leadership

On Saturday 8th March 2025, International Women’s Day aims to celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for women’s rights. This year, the official theme is #AccelerateAction, emphasising the need to make faster progress toward gender equality.

With women making up the majority of the workforce in the nursing and midwifery professions (88.8% of NMC registered staff identifying as women in September 2024), there is often a disconnect in the perception of these roles being ‘woman’s work’ vs. the discourse around women in leadership. It was reported by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) last year that there was a 17% salary gap between men and women in similar nursing leadership roles, in favour of men.

Cavell is using the week of International Women’s Day to give a voice to those female leaders in nursing and midwifery and share their message for other women in the healthcare sector.

Female voices on leadership

Cavell has gathered together a selection of female voices speaking about their career experience and the need for more women to access leadership roles within the nursing and midwifery professions. Find out what they are saying.

“Women in nursing are incredible masters of multitasking who are able to amazingly manage their family life and still show up at work: brave, resilient and ready to take on another shift in the hospital following an exhausting day from home. They continue to do what they do despite challenging conditions, never losing their sense of purpose, and it is because they care!” Jeni Caguioa, Senior Clinical Manager at NHS England

Read Jeni’s blog

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“To women beginning their nursing journey, whether as students or early-career nurses, I encourage you that nursing is not just about medical skills but about connection, compassion, and the unique qualities that you bring to this field.” Benedicta Ogunyinka, Nurse

Read Benedicta’s blog

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“My advice is do not wait to speak up until you have found your purpose and passion – speak your truth and your purpose and passion will find you. There is strength in numbers and a momentous force when truth is the driving force. May we be united through our diversity and diverse in our unity.” Bernadette Rochford MBE, Principal Freedom to Speak Up Guardian

Read Bernadette’s blog

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“My nursing education, guided primarily by women, has revealed the true meaning of leadership in healthcare. This International Women’s Day, I honour the nurses and midwives who are always committed to nurture the next generation.” Constance Naliaka, newly qualified Nurse

Read Constance’s blog

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“This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, skill, and dedication of women in our nursing and midwifery profession, because every day, in countless ways, we all make a difference.” Kath Evans, Children’s Nurse

Read Kath’s blog

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“To those just starting their journey in nursing and midwifery—know that your voice matters, your leadership is needed, and your ability to make a difference is limitless. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another as we shape the future of healthcare together.” Joyce Fletcher, Head of Nursing at Sandwell Mental Health NHS Trust

Read Joyce’s blog

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