For Anna Parley, Communications and Marketing Lead at South West London Pathology, International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a moment of reflection.
Working in an organisation where women make up more than half of the workforce, Anna sees first-hand the impact women have across every level of the NHS. “It’s a chance to recognise the contribution of all the women in the NHS,” she says. “Particularly in pathology, where that contribution is even more pronounced.”
But for Anna, the day is not only about celebrating achievements. It is also about acknowledging the challenges that women continue to navigate in healthcare and wider society. International Women’s Day creates space to reflect on progress made, while recognising that there is still work to be done to ensure equity, opportunity and recognition for all.
Personal growth, professional purpose
Anna’s perspective on equality in the workplace is shaped by her own experiences. Overcoming a severe period of generalised anxiety disorder became one of the most significant learning moments in her career. Rather than holding her back, it deepened her understanding of the barriers some people face at work.
“It made me much more aware of how important it is to level the playing field,” she explains. “People should have the opportunity to shine because of their skills and talents, not be limited by who they are or the challenges they face.”
That belief now underpins how she approaches her work in communications: with empathy, inclusivity and a focus on positive culture.
The power of supportive leadership
International Women’s Day is also about recognising the women who inspire others. Anna recalls the transformational impact of an inspirational female manager who took over her team after she returned to work after overcoming her battle with anxiety. The manager’s positivity, enthusiasm and genuine commitment to developing her staff left a lasting impression on Anna.
“She gave me the confidence to push myself professionally,” Anna says. Inspired by that leadership and support, she went on to complete a postgraduate diploma and later an MSc, while working full time and raising a young daughter.
Completing her MSc remains one of her proudest achievements. It strengthened not only her professional knowledge but also her self-belief. “If I can do it, anyone can,” she says, offered not as a boast, but as encouragement to other women who may be considering their own next step.
Making a difference
In her role at South West London Pathology, Anna hopes her work contributes to an environment where colleagues feel supported to perform at their best. Through clear, timely and thoughtful communication, she aims to help shape a positive culture internally and ensure that important information reaches the right people at the right time.
On International Women’s Day, she reflects on how communications can play a role in championing women’s voices, celebrating achievements and reinforcing a culture of respect and opportunity.
When asked to sum up being a woman in healthcare communications today, Anna chooses two words: ambition and success.
For her, they are not abstract ideals, they are lived values. Ambition to keep growing, learning and challenging inequality. Success in lifting others up along the way.
This International Women’s Day, Anna’s message is clear: celebrate progress, recognise contribution, and continue creating workplaces where every woman has the confidence, and the opportunity, to succeed.