| Date | Category |
|---|---|
| 31st March 2026 | Blog |
Every year in March we celebrate both International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month to recognise women’s achievements across the world. Last year, we invited women in senior leadership positions to share their career stories, hearing about their journeys advancing into leadership. This year, as March draws to a close, we asked Abi Wigmore, current Business Management student at the University of Reading, to share her thoughts and experiences as a student about to embark on the first steps of her career ladder.
In this piece, Abi reflects on her role in the Women in Business Society, her hopes for the future and the women in her life that inspire her.
Abi Wigmore
I am a 20-year-old student from South Wales, currently in my final year studying Business Management with Marketing at the University of Reading. Alongside my studies, I am the Social Secretary for the Women in Business Society at University of Reading’s Henley Business School.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of women, raise awareness of issues impacting women and to take action. For me, it has a personal connection. Growing up, I was raised by a single mum who worked incredibly hard to provide for me and support my ambitions. Watching her overcome challenges and continue pushing forward in her career has always inspired me. She is the reason I’ve always cared deeply about the empowerment of women, and it’s a value I wanted to bring with me when I joined the Women in Business Society.
You mention the Women in Business Society, can you share some more about this?
The Women in Business Society at The University of Reading exists to encourage and empower women in their future careers. As a group, we focus on raising awareness of the challenges women face in professional environments; while also supporting students in building the confidence, skills, and networks they need to thrive in their future careers.
A big part of the society is about creating opportunities for students. It is a place where people can learn new skills, meet new people, and develop both personally and professionally.
It sounds like the society has given you so many exciting opportunities, can you tell us more about what you’ve learnt?
Being part of Women in Business has given me so much more than I ever expected.
My role as Social Secretary has also enabled me to explore different pathways within business. Our academic events, particularly panel discussions and workshops, have given me the opportunity to hear from inspiring women who are always open to sharing their experiences and advice. Listening to their journeys has helped me think more clearly about my own career and the different paths available.
From leading on merchandise production to organising events, I’ve gained hands-on experience in event management, organisation, leadership, and communication. Planning everything from our monthly events to larger occasions like the Henley Business Ball has helped me realise how much I enjoy coordinating projects and bringing people together.
Most importantly, being part of the society has helped me step out of my comfort zone, build confidence, and form friendships I will carry with me in my career long after graduation.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme was ‘Give to Gain’, can you tell us what this means to you?
For me, ‘Give to Gain’ encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
This idea reflects precisely what Women in Business is about. As a committee, we give our time, effort, and skills to organise events and opportunities for our members. A lot of work goes into planning these activities.
In return, we gain valuable experience. Being involved in organising events has helped me develop skills in teamwork, leadership, organisation, and communication. All of which I can take forward into my future career!
Members also give their time by attending events and participating in discussions and networking opportunities. Through this, they gain new experiences, friendships, and skills that can help them in the future.
In many ways, our society reflects ‘Give to Gain’. When people give their time, encouragement, and support to others, it creates a community where everyone can benefit and move forward together.
Thank you for allowing us to learn more about your role in Women in Business. It sounds like you’ve really made the most of the opportunities at university. As it’s your last year, we’re interested to know what you’re planning to do next?
As I am coming to the end of my degree, I’m looking ahead to the future. I am so grateful for everything Women in Business has given me as I move into my career. I’m an aspiring marketeer! So I value the practical experience I’ve gained and look forward to applying everything I’ve learnt in terms of business and event management.
I’m excited about the opportunities ahead, but it does remind me that there is still work to be done in ensuring women continue to have opportunities to thrive.
It’s encouraging to see positive change within universities, including the representation of women in leadership roles. At the University of Reading, the legacy of pioneering women such as Edith Morley—one of the first female professors at a British university—reminds us of how far we have had to come to overcome barriers to successful careers. But it also highlights the importance of continuing to support and empower women in education and beyond.
Thank you for sharing the legacy of Edith Morley with us. Are there any other women in particular who inspire you?
Every woman trying to make a difference within society is someone I look up to! I see all our members as inspirational women, taking action in their own lives.
When I think about the women who inspire me most, my mum will always be at the top of that list. Her resilience, dedication, and determination shaped the person I am today. Watching her overcome barriers while raising me from such a young age has motivated me to work hard, pursue my ambitions, and support others in achieving their goals too.
It’s been great to hear your perspective as a student. Is there anything final you would like to add?
International Women’s Day is about celebrating progress, but it is also about recognising the importance of communities that help women grow and succeed.
For me, Women in Business has been exactly that: a place where encouragement, collaboration, and opportunity come together. I would like to end by recognising Bea Anderson, our current President of Women in Business and University of Reading’s Internship Scheme Assistant. Her dedication, energy, and passion for building a supportive community have inspired everyone on the committee and helps the society grow stronger to support the next generation of women leaders.
A note of thanks
Thank you to Abi Wigmore for offering a personal and thought provoking student’s perspective on International Women’s Day. SUMS Group is dedicated to supporting universities to help them be better, more effective organisations. Working side-by-side with our members, clients and partners, SUMS helps institutions to develop the right environment to help students get the most out of their learning experience.
