Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

In 2024, we are supporting the worldwide theme of #InspireInclusion by celebrating achievement and just some of the amazing women that work within our Partnership, here you can read about them and the inspiring work they are doing.

A message from Sue Symington, Chair of Humber and North Yorkshire ICS and ICB.

Our women’s development programmes are raising the voices of female leaders across our system, to fight for equity and level the playing field. There is more work to do on ensuring we achieve true gender parity, but we are committed to tackling discrimination in all its forms and celebrating the diversity of all women working in our partnership.


“My message to women on International Women’s Day – be proud of who you are and what you are. Never apologise for being a woman. Be the best version of yourself that you can be and strive for your aspirations and dreams.” 

Kate Wood, Group Chief Medical Officer, NHS HUTH and NLAG.  


Inspiring Inclusion

Improving Women’s Health – Anja Hazebroek

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ resonates deeply with my role as the Women’s Health Champion for our ICB. I feel privileged to hold this position and am committed to fostering inclusion, particularly in healthcare decision-making for women and girls.

Read the full blog post.

Female Role Models – Kate Wood

Since becoming a doctor, I have always wanted to make a difference to the people I serve, and became passionate about not just making a difference to the patients, but also the staff that look after the patients – hence me moving my focus from the individual patient to the more organisational oversight. Did I have a particular role model for this? Not really. And did I think that being a female was an issue? Not really. But did I face obstacles along the way – absolutely.

Read the full blog post.

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Women who inspire me – Louise Wallace

It isn’t the women on the front page of a magazine; a social media influencer; a celebrity or movie star – it the women living everyday lives.

When I was in my teens, it was the 90 year old women who told me her life story whilst I worked in a care home during my university holidays. I heard about the highs, lows, joys and sorrow. I could see it all in her eyes.

Read the full blog post.

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A message from Louise Wallace, Director of Public Health, North Yorkshire Council

“On International Women’s Day I would like to pay tribute to all the amazing women I work alongside, our leaders and influencers, to those who are pushing the boundaries of the possible. At the same time, I hope I can inspire other young women to pursue a career in public health and be the next generation of public service leaders.”

Louise Wallace, Director of Public Health, North Yorkshire Council.

Environmentally Responsible Recycling
Rumina Önaç

Rumina Önaç, a GP and environmentalist in York. For International Women’s Day 2024, she is celebrating fantastic achievements in reducing the carbon footprint of local general practice. 



DR Omnia Hefni


News and updates

Menopause Friendly – we are one of the first health and care systems in the UK to be accredited as menopause friendly, offering access to regular learning opportunities for both those experiencing the menopause and those who support people who do. We are working to ensure access to free period products and all colleagues can use our free and confidential health and wellbeing support, including through our dedicated app.

Inclusive Language Guide – we are committed to ensuring and encouraging genuine belonging for people working across health and social care in Humber and North Yorkshire (HNY). When we can be ourselves at work, the quality of the care we provide for local people increases. The language we use is incredibly powerful, inclusive language teaches us to value other people for who they are. To be sensitive towards other people and be respectful. It is about being aware of the language we use and the impact it may have on others, rather than just using a list of acceptable words. Download the HNY Inclusive Language Guide