We are really proud to create our first Fortuna Female Society podcast as part of our International Women’s Day celebration event at St Marie’s in Widnes on 8th March 2025. Many thanks to …Space for facilitating and hosting the podcast.
Know Your Worth Podcast
The FFS podcast panel are:
- Laura and Karen – Fortuna Female Society
- Jessica – It Starts With You
- Alison – Just Bee You
Join us for a frank and honest discussion about why International Women’s Day is still needed in 2025. Topics cover domestic abuse, sex, and mental health issues.
Listen to this special #IWD2025 episode below and share with your network. Don’t forget to follow the Holding …SPACE podcast on Spotify.
Know Your Worth. A Fortuna Female Society Conversation on Women’s Voices and Empowerment
As part of International Women’s Day 2025, Fortuna Female Society hosted the Know Your Worth Empowerment Day, bringing together a panel of incredible women to discuss challenges, empowerment, and action. The conversation was led by Laura, with guests Jess, Alison, and Karen sharing their thoughts and experiences.
What Does International Women’s Day Mean?
Jess, a women’s empowerment coach specialising in domestic abuse, described International Women’s Day as an opportunity to give women a voice, uplift, and empower each other. She highlighted the importance of challenging patriarchal norms and ensuring women are heard.
Alison, from the community interest company Just Be You, sees the day as a chance to be loud and proud, celebrating being a woman without apology.
Karen, part of the Fortuna Female Society Committee, agreed that International Women’s Day is essential for ensuring women’s voices are heard and acknowledged.
Why Do We Still Need International Women’s Day?
Laura shared an interaction she had with a man who asked, “So that’s your day, isn’t it?” She used this to highlight the issue that women’s achievements and struggles are often overlooked the rest of the year.
Alison admitted that it’s sad that the day is still needed, but if it encourages women to feel stronger and empowered, then it remains essential.
Karen noted the ongoing fight for women’s rights, which makes IWD feel both necessary and exhausting.
Jess reflected on how the discussion had helped her learn more about menopause and women’s challenges across different life stages, reinforcing how crucial awareness is.
Accelerating Action for Women’s Equality
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerating Action, resonated with the panel, as they acknowledged that the same issues arise year after year.
Karen suggested that change comes from doing more of what already works, by continuing to speak out and support each other.
Jess argued that men and women need to work together, ensuring that conversations about women’s struggles also educate men.
Alison pointed out that some men now feel victimised by feminism, even though women have never truly reached equality.
Laura noted that many men aren’t even aware of the barriers women face, which contributes to the problem.
Fear and Barriers Women Face
Jess emphasised the importance of support networks, acknowledging that stepping up can sometimes mean losing relationships, but it also brings new, supportive ones.
Laura discussed how fear holds women back, particularly in workplaces where opportunities can be covertly blocked.
Jess shared her personal experience of leaving a toxic work environment, where she was silenced and controlled.
Alison talked about picking battles wisely and knowing when to step away from harmful situations.
Advice for Young Women
Karen encouraged young women to know their worth, trust their opinions, and feel valued.
Alison stressed the importance of open communication between mothers and daughters, ensuring that no subject is off-limits.
Jess encouraged women to use their stories as their power and to be unafraid to step out of their comfort zones.
Social Media and the Next Generation
Laura raised concerns about how social media impacts young girls, shaping their self-worth and confidence.
Jess emphasised the need for early intervention in schools to teach healthy relationships and self-esteem.
Alison pointed out that social media can be both a great tool and a harmful one, depending on how it’s used.
Creating Safe Spaces for Women
Laura shared her pledge to create safe spaces where women can be heard, as part of forging women’s equality.
Alison encouraged women to treat themselves like their best friends, setting high standards for how they allow others to treat them.
Jess reinforced the idea that how women allow others to treat them reflects their self-worth.
Karen reminded women to be kind to themselves, because if they don’t, who else will?
Know Your Worth
Laura closed the discussion with the ultimate message of the event: know your worth. When women recognise their value, they become unstoppable forces for change.
The Know Your Worth Empowerment Day left the panel and attendees feeling inspired and motivated to continue the fight for equality, empowerment, and safe spaces for all women.