GMS is Marking This Year’s International Women’s Day: Accelerating Action for a Just Future

GMS is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, embracing this year’s theme of “Accelerate Action” to drive meaningful change and champion gender equality. Across our organisation, women are leading the way in innovation, sustainability, and healthcare excellence, making a lasting impact on our communities.

To mark the occasion, we’re spotlighting the voices of inspirational women within GMS, sharing their experiences, insights, and the actions they’re taking to shape a more inclusive future. Through storytelling, recognition, and meaningful conversations, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.

Peta Fry Chartered FCIPD – Associate Director HR, OD, and Communications

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I’ve taken the time to reflect on the remarkable women who have supported my career journey as I transitioned from an operational role into HR, how I’ve been supported and encouraged to achieve. This has led me to my current role with GMS as Associate Director for HR, OD and Communications and I’ve joined a team where I’m encouraged to have a voice, to challenge and be challenged, to have an opinion and to bring to the table the skills, knowledge and experience that those women helped me to achieve.

We must continue to break down barriers and create an environment where every woman feels able to achieve their dreams. I look forward to supporting the next generation of GMS female leaders.

Sue Gott CMgr, MCMI, MIWFM, MAPM – Associate Director of Facilities

Women in Facilities Management play a vital role in shaping safe, efficient and sustainable environments.  We are the backbone of our workplaces, ensuring that every space is not only functional but also welcoming.  From overseeing maintenance and implementing innovative solutions to promoting sustainability and enhancing employee well-being, women in Facilities Management bring unique perspectives and skills to the table.  Our leadership fosters collaboration and encourages diverse teams to thrive, breaking down barriers and setting new standards in the industry.

As we celebrate our contributions, let us recognise the importance of supporting and empowering women to take on leadership roles in Facilities Management.  Together we can create a future where all women have the opportunity to excel and inspire others.  After working in this industry for over 30 years, I am encouraged not only by how many more women are choosing Facilities Management as a career pathway but how many I am seeing in Senior Management and Director roles with GMS leading the way.

Happy International Women’s Day! Here’s to the women who keep our spaces running smoothly and to the progress we continue to make together.

Bridget Hooper – Services Manager

Working at the NHS for 25 years, I have met some amazing women who have made our NHS Hospitals great.  I am determined to make our workplaces better for our staff and visitors every day I am truly grateful to help lead our brilliant catering teams. 

I am humbled by how people can be compassionate and kind to each other and at the same time I am shocked by how brutal some people can be to each other.

Someone who inspires me is Maya Angelou a fabulous black woman with a huge heart. Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. .  1951-2014

Here are some of the quotes that have inspired me.

“Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better”

“Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.”

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Iona Lennon MCIOB AssocRICS – Capital Project Manager

16-year-old me would never have imagined doing the role I now do, after all, school said ‘construction wasn’t for girls’

I feel very lucky to work on life changing projects, with colleagues who support me and value the contributions I bring to the table.

On International Women’s Day, I hope all women and girls who whish to pursue a career in the built environment are afforded the ability to do so.

Shananne Squire – Domestic

As a woman I feel good about my job because I help lots of people and they all know me well and I feel confident to help them if I can and I will work with them and if any staff that can’t use the computer they will come and find me and I will help them out with their computer

Sharon Grigg – Domestic

As a woman I feel confident that I can speak up and talk to anyone on any level ,if I come across a problem I will personally deal with it and if I can’t I would find someone that could. I don’t agree with it is what it is. It’s a terrible saying. 

Dawn Hayward – Quality Assurance Manager

You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing, just believe in yourself. One of my favourite quotes is by Lucille Ball “I’d rather regret the things I’ve done… than regret the things I haven’t done.”

Joanne Arnold – Medical Engineer 

Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women out there! Today is a special day to celebrate every woman’s strength, resilience, and courage. May you feel empowered and appreciated for all that you do every day. Here’s to a bright and beautiful future for us all.

Jenna Beach – Post

As well as it being my birthday it is a reminder that all women can achieve and have goals, this is thanks to the sacrifice of women in days past that fought for women’s rights.