March marks the annual observation of Women’s History Month, with International Women’s Day falling on the 8th. Since 1987, the month has been used to address the historical dismissal, disregard of and violence towards women. Although gender-based inequality isn’t exclusive to this month, March serves as an opportunity to teach and raise awareness about an issue that is still ever-present in our society today. And studies back this! In a survey of 2,000 women in the workplace, 35% felt they were not taken as seriously as men, 45% felt their ideas were more likely to be dismissed, and 50% of Gen Z women felt they were being held back for being women.
At SweetTree, women make up a whopping 85% of our team. The work and contributions of the women of SweetTree are invaluable, and we don’t want it to go unrecognised. From support workers to directors, we sat down with some of our team to shine a light on the women who help to make our care “outstanding”.
Valerie Semeria
A relatively new addition to the SweetTree team, Valerie is one of our brain injury support managers. “I get to meet a lot of incredible survivors and a lot of amazing workers who want to support these individuals”
Before joining us at SweetTree, Valerie found herself at Friends of Attend ABI (fAABI), a charity which aims to improve the lives of those affected by brain injury – she is still the Chair alongside her work with SweetTree. “Historically, I’ve been working primarily across the nonprofit sector. That is a lot of where my background lies. I like to create services that work for people who have suffered from a brain injury or neural condition. And I like to make a difference in a positive way in people’s lives, in the way that they want.”
Like a lot of people entering a new industry, the common problem of imposter syndrome affected Valerie’s self-esteem and confidence to deliver care at some point, too. “What that was for me is going into a world where people are looking in your direction for support, your help.”
“Being the voice on the other end, who gets to see what’s going on, what gives me the right to make a difference? What gives me the right to help and make the change needed? I look at myself, and I think I’m just a young person, I’m just a woman, I just did my studies. I’ve not experienced a brain injury myself, what do I know?” She added.
“What I do know is that I have acquired a lot of skills necessary to make a difference. I think working to recognise that it’s not about capability, my age or my gender. It’s about giving myself permission to make a difference. If you have the space to make a difference, do it.”
Dipti
To gather the full spectrum of experience of the women of SweetTree, we also sat down with some of our support worker team, namely Dipti, who has been with us for over a year. Dipti told us a bit about her experience as a support worker and why she values it as a profession. “I think that comes from my family”, she explained.
“In my own home, we have people with inclusive needs. I think that kind of naturally instilled qualities of care in me, and becoming a support worker felt like a natural next step. Being a support worker for all kinds of people lets you meet things that a classroom won’t. It’s more personal and caring itself feels like a task with a lot of responsibility, but I enjoy it.”
Although some people may have the background that allows support work to come easily, Dipti describes having to refine certain skills when it comes to caring for strangers. “A lot of reading in between the lines and long-term relationship building. All things that require the skill of empathy, that I have had to practice because it’s not an easy thing to just have.”
Coming from being a support worker in India, Dipti also noted the differences in the approach to support work between there and the UK. For example, the structural support that care at SweetTree comes with, which she was previously unaware of. “I think it has made me a good listener. It has made me aware of all the support that is structurally available through the government and through the NHS.”
“In India, support work is organised in community settings, so more like rehabilitation homes where people go rather than the care coming to them. [In the UK] You are entering their lives and doing what you can to support them, rather than calling them to a centralised home where they need to give up the comfort of their family to live a life that is probably very different to what they are used to. The way that care is seamless, at least at SweetTree, has made me more comfortable, because I am also able to continue my own life.
Alicia Francois
Much of the incredible work SweetTree does wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of our directors, such as our Specialist Services Director, Alicia Francois. Back in 2023, Alicia was a finalist for the corporate leader award in the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards. She had the opportunity to go into detail about what makes excellent care and how she applies this to her approach to leadership, in an article by Care Talk the following year. “At SweetTree, my leadership philosophy lies in acknowledging the unique potential of every staff member. My personal journey, transitioning from a frontline care worker to overseeing specialist services, greatly shapes my commitment to encouraging emerging talents and future leaders.”
Despite the role that a leader plays in a team, female leadership isn’t often taken as seriously as male. On the contrary, the unique experience of women provides specific qualities that are effective and even critical in a leadership position. As Alicia explains, “In today’s dynamic and challenging climate, the importance of compassionate and creative leadership in social care cannot be overstated. Advocating inclusivity, wanting better and pushing empowerment is what I have witnessed from female leaders who have effectively transformed change and fostered a compassionate and equitable society.”
She adds, “I see more women at the forefront leading with these initiatives and paving the way. Female leadership in the current climate brings a wealth of qualities and strengths that are essential for navigating the complex challenges faced in social care and other fields.”
If you would like to hear more of what the women of SweetTree have to share, you can watch the full video interviews as part of our weekly series for the month on our Instagram and Facebook pages. You can also contribute to positive change and learn more about Women’s History Month, by visiting the official website or donating to charities like Solace.