International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It has been around for well over a century, with the first IWD marked in 1911!
The theme for 2026 is “Give To Gain” – and we wanted to highlight some of the fantastic women who work in our service, and the ways they’ve given, and the things they’ve gained, from working in sexual health.
Laura and Michelle from of our team talk about the knowledge they’d like to share with women, how they have supported women, and what they have gained from their work in our services.
Laura, Project Worker
What one piece of knowledge or advice would you like to give to women when it comes to sexual health?
My one piece of knowledge would be that STIs can show no symptoms, but still be there! So always test if you’re sexually active.
How do you feel like you have supported women in your role?
I have supported women in my role by always reminding them to put themselves first, looking after your own health is the most important thing! Your future self will thank you.
What do you feel like you have gained in your role within sexual health?
By working in my role, I have gained confidence when speaking about subjects such as contraception, knowing that not everything works for everyone, and to try different options until something feels right for you.
Michelle, Receptionist
What one piece of knowledge or advice would you like to give to women when it comes to sexual health?
Your sexual health is healthcare and not something to be embarrassed about or to put at the bottom of your priority list.
So many women minimise symptoms, delay appointments or feel they need to justify seeking help. You don’t. Whether its contraception, pain, discharge changes, bleeding patterns, libido, menopause symptoms or STI testing.
You deserve to be heard and taken seriously. Early conversations prevent bigger problems later and no concern is ever silly.
How do you feel like you have supported women in your role?
I feel we have supported women by creating a space where they feel safe, respected and not judged. Sexual health can carry stigma, fear or shame. Often women arrive anxious or apologetic. Taking time to listen, normalise their concerns, explain clearly and give them back a sense of control makes a huge difference.
We also support women by advocating for them. Ensuring they understand their options, feel informed about choices around contraception, testing or treatment and feel empowered rather than directed.
Sometimes the biggest support is simply being calm, steady presence in what feels like a vulnerable moment for them.
What do you feel like you have gained in your role within sexual health?
Working in sexual health has strengthened our communication skills, empathy and resilience. It is a massive privilege to be trusted with a very personal aspect of someone’s life. This role constantly reinforces the importance of non-judgemental care and clear, compassionate communication.
We as a team have gained a deeper understanding of the complexity of women’s lives and relationships, confidence, trauma history, cultural expectations and how these impact their health decisions.
Most importantly, we have gained perspective when women are given accurate information and respectful care, they are capable of making strong and informed choices for themselves.
We are in a privileged and wonderful role within the Trust and we are exceptionally grateful for this.