Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025

Celebrating International Women’s Day: Empowering Women at Node4

Empowering women isn’t just something we talk about – it’s something we truly believe in and actively work towards every day. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we want to take a moment to reflect on the ways we support and uplift the incredible women in our organisation. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment goes beyond policies- it’s about creating a culture where every woman feels valued, heard, and empowered. 

Supporting Women in Our Business 

We know that life doesn’t stop when you step into the workplace, which is why we’ve designed our policies to support women at every stage of their careers and personal lives. Our Family Friendly Policy Booklet, updated in November, includes comprehensive guidelines on Maternity Leave, Fertility Treatment, Flexible Working, and Menopause Support. 

We want to make sure that women at Node4 have the flexibility and reassurance they need to thrive both professionally and personally. 

“I felt supported during every step of my pregnancy – from a challenging time to get there, right up to my last few weeks of work. And thanks to Node4’s extended Maternity Policy, I was able to take a full 12 months off with my son, with the peace of mind that I was financially able to do so. I made use of all 10 of my Keep in Touch Day allowance which really helped me stay connected with my team, ensuring I never felt out of the loop, and when the time came to think about returning to work, there was no pressure, just continued support from my Manager and our HR Team. Returning to the world of work wasn’t an easy transition, but almost a year on, I feel much more confident with balancing work and life as a new Mum thanks to the support of those around me.”  

Emma Charlton, Brand & Communications Manager.  

Leadership Training 

We believe that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about confidence, skills, and the opportunity to grow. That’s why we offer a range of development programs designed to equip our people with the tools they need to lead effectively. Our internal Leadership Programmes focus on values-based leadership and practical strategies to manage and inspire teams. 

“At Node4, we are committed to empowering women in their careers through continuous learning and development initiatives. We offer professional and technical development opportunities, leadership programs, and access to industry-leading resources. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive, innovate, and lead with confidence.”

Jess Powell, Learning and Development Manager. 

Beyond leadership training, we recognise the importance of building confidence in everyday workplace situations. Through our ‘4Everyone’ Talent Pathway, we offer soft skills development programs designed to help women grow in areas like presenting, communication, and self-confidence because leadership is about more than just strategy; it’s about feeling empowered to make an impact. 

Health & Wellbeing Initiatives 

Supporting women goes beyond professional development, it means prioritising wellbeing in every way. From free sanitary products in all of our office locations to wellbeing webinars and private healthcare, we’re committed to making sure our employees have access to the support they need. 

Our wellbeing centre focuses on mind, finance, fitness, and nutrition, offering everything from discounted gym memberships to a cycle-to-work scheme. We also provide a 24/7/365 counselling service and access to qualified mental health first aiders, ensuring that help is always available when needed. 

“Empowered workplaces can thrive when investment in mental health first aid is made, when policies that support women are introduced, and barriers like imposter syndrome and confidence issues are addressed. Through development, training, personal development plans, and providing opportunities to progress, we can foster confidence and resilience.”

Laura Blake, Client Advocacy & Community Manager and Mental Health First Aider. 

Beyond Policies: Building a community 

Creating a culture of support and empowerment means going beyond policies—it’s about fostering a sense of community where women feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Through our Node4 Academy, we provide ongoing opportunities for learning and growth, offering everything from technical courses to workshops on personal effectiveness, presentation, and communication skills. 

We also host initiatives like our 4Women event, which shines a light on women in IT, celebrating their achievements and encouraging more women to explore opportunities in tech. It’s more than just an event, it’s a movement that fosters mentorship, collaboration, and inspiration among women in the industry and our business. Through panel discussions, networking opportunities, and knowledge-sharing sessions, we aim to create a platform where women can learn from each other, share their experiences, and gain insights into career progression in the tech world. By providing a space for open dialogue, we hope to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and inspire the next generation of female leaders in technology. 

Looking Ahead 

We’re not just celebrating women this International Women’s Day, we’re committed to supporting them every day. Our policies, training programs, and wellbeing initiatives are designed to create a workplace where women can grow, lead, and thrive. 

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s commit to empowering the next generation of women in tech. By providing the necessary support and resources, we can create opportunities and foster a more inclusive and innovative tech industry.”

Kate Lincoln, Head of Governance.

The journey doesn’t stop here, we’re excited for what’s to come for women in tech and to continue making more of a difference, together.