This month, on 8th March 2026, women all over the world will be celebrating and raising awareness of International Women’s Day, with this year’s theme: #GiveToGain. To help add to the celebrations, we spoke to four furnishing industry women who share their respective thoughts on what International Women’s Day means to them and the industry.

Featuring this year includes Sarah Gardner – Business Development Manager at Fusion Furniture, Judith Ackers – Chief of Staff at Land of Beds, Sheila MacAuley-Laverty – Marketing Manager at Connollys of Moy, and Rani Joshi – Head of Operations at Indus Valley.

What progress have you seen on women and gender equality in the furnishing industry over the last year?

Sarah Gardner: “Over the past year, I’ve seen very little progress in women and gender equality within the furnishing industry. Manufacturing remains heavily male-dominated, with limited opportunities for women to progress into leadership or outward-facing roles. Many women are the backbone of operations behind the scenes, yet are often overlooked for development and visibility.”

Judith Ackers: “The industry’s still male-dominated, but it’s encouraging to see more women stepping into leadership roles and being recognised as key decision-makers. At a recent show, I saw several women leading presentations and negotiations, which felt like a real step forward. Networks like Women in Furniture continue to provide valuable opportunities to connect and share experiences.”

Sheila MacAuley-Laverty: “In the past year, I’ve seen a real increase in women taking on leadership and management roles. This is great to see, after all, women are often the key decision makers in the furniture market. Greater representation at senior levels means more diverse perspectives and stronger, more inclusive businesses.”

Rani Joshi: “Over the last year, I’ve seen positive progress in the furnishing industry, with more women being recognised and listened to across buying, design, and commercial roles. More female leaders are confidently contributing to key decisions, shaping product ranges, and influencing business direction. While there’s still progress to be made, there is a growing appreciation of the commercial strength, leadership, and perspective women bring to the industry.”

What would you like to see change?

Sarah Gardner: “I’d love to see more opportunities for women to progress and step into leadership roles, along with better visibility of the great female talent already in the industry. Supporting the next generation through mentoring, apprenticeships, and early career pathways would also make a big difference. Overall, creating more inclusive and supportive workplaces would help drive real change.”

Judith Ackers: “I’d like to see more women represented across all roles, from production and the shop floor to senior leadership, with strong mentorship and flexible working to help them thrive. Highlighting women’s roles and achievements within the industry more often would inspire the next generation.”

Sheila MacAuley-Laverty: “I’d love to see more women represented in the ‘unseen’ areas of the industry. At Connollys of Moy, we have fantastic female talent on our showroom floor and within our office team, but I would really like to see women thriving in warehouse, logistics and operational roles as well. True equality is when women feel confident and empowered to work across every part of a business.”

Rani Joshi: “I’d love to see more women progressing into senior leadership roles across all areas of the furniture industry, including manufacturing, logistics, and operations. Continued focus on mentoring, development, and flexible working will help create environments where women can build long-term careers and progress with confidence. Supporting women at every stage will help strengthen the industry as a whole.”

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Sarah Gardner: “Overall, it’s amazing to hear about strong women making a difference in the world. I hope to see more and more of this throughout the world! It gives me drive to help create change where I can in my industry.”

Judith Ackers: “For me, International Women’s Day’s a chance to celebrate the amazing women around me and in the industry, while also thinking about how far we still have to go. It’s a reminder that equality isn’t just about numbers, it’s about creating environments where women are supported, valued, and able to lead. It’s a moment to celebrate progress, inspire others, and keep working for change so future generations can thrive in a truly inclusive industry.”

Sheila MacAuley-Laverty: “Many women in leadership roles experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. For me, International Women’s Day is a chance to pause, reflect and celebrate not only our own achievements but also the success of the women around us. By lifting each other up, we can grow together and silence that inner doubt.”

Rani Joshi: “International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women within the furniture industry and beyond. For me, it’s a reminder of the importance of supporting one another, speaking with confidence, and continuing to build an inclusive industry where future generations can thrive.”

www.internationalwomensday.com

#IWD2026  #GiveToGain