We Asked 5 Women: What Have You Gained By Supporting Other Women?

This year's International Women's Day theme, 'Give to Gain', is encouraging a mindset of generosity and collaboration, recognising that when women support one another, everyone benefits. 

Support can take many forms, from mentorship and encouragement to collaboration or simply showing up when it matters. And while the focus is often on what we give, there’s just as much power in what we gain along the way. So to mark International Women’s Day, we asked five inspirational women in Guernsey one simple question: What have you gained by supporting other women?

Here’s what they had to say…

 

 

Stefanie Haigh

Stefanie is co-founder of The List, an online lifestyle platform that encourages Guernsey to live life well, put themselves on their to-do list and support local businesses with great content & experiences. (You may know it?)

For Stef, supporting women is about confidence, collective strength and carrying others forward as you go.

"For me, supporting younger women in the workplace has always been something I have been drawn to do - giving them the ‘secrets’ I may have discovered the hard way before them. I have seen it build confidence in new situations, by encouraging them to use their voice and show what they know, as well as in the work they produce. I believe this spills over into every area of life. I’ve also seen and experienced it the other way. When this support network breaks down, it never ends well. And it’s a real shame.

Women have so many strengths, both professionally and personally, that are often misinterpreted as weaknesses. We often all have to work just a little bit harder to fit into many settings and be taken seriously. That’s a much easier task if we do it together and we carry it through to younger generations. 

In Guernsey, there are so many female small business owners who are all championing each other, fitting everything in around other obligations in life and often without the opportunities or time that male counterparts have. Supporting them is vital. Not only to keep their businesses going, but again to help them to maintain that sense of identity, pride and confidence that can often disappear without support. That’s how I feel as a small business owner when people support The List. It’s so much more than just money in the bank account. It’s a vote for women in business - as well as my personal growth.

This isn’t just a workplace necessity. Women are supporting women everywhere - checking each other get home safe, lifting prams down stairs, making sure they know about the latest xyz that may make their life easier, turning up for a cup of tea and holding space when they just need to vent without being presented a solution. In particular, as a new mum, I have seen this pattern continue to play out. When we become mothers and suddenly once again the ‘newbie’ in the room without all the answers, it’s always other women who have trodden the path before us who can help with not only advice, but also by stepping in with unspoken support.

So what have I gained from supporting other women - and from other women supporting me? Everything."

 

 

Shelaine Green

Shelaine is Chair of Women In Public Life, working to increase female representation and participation in Guernsey’s public life.

Shelaine believes that supporting women is about reshaping who gets a voice in decisions that affect us all.

“What do I gain from supporting women to stand for public office? Deep down, it's reassurance. Reassurance that important decisions affecting everyone in our island aren’t just being made by a room full of men.

Nothing makes me happier than getting a note saying ‘I applied for that role in your newsletter - and guess what, I got it!'. Or 'I'm thinking of standing for election, I've heard you can help'. Inch by inch we are moving towards more balanced decision making on our island.

I love the camaraderie of our committee, I love how much we learn from the expert guests at our Politics Group discussions and I love taking women into the public gallery to watch a States meeting for the first time.

Best of all, I'm privileged to mentor a number of politically-minded young women in Guernsey. I can't wait to see what they achieve in their futures.”

 

 

Sophie Bonakdar

Sophie is a communications, marketing and events specialist at KPMG, and President of the Young Business Group.

Sophie’s experience centres on friendship, trust and choosing connection through every stage of life.

"When I think about supporting other women, my mind always goes straight to my friendships. I'm incredibly lucky to have in my life friendships that span decades, and women who have quite literally grown up alongside me. Some of us now live overseas, but somehow the connection feels even stronger. There’s something about shared history, about knowing each other before careers and before you've found yourself, that keeps you grounded.

What people don’t always talk about is that maintaining those bonds isn’t easy. As we grow and change, just as in a romantic relationship, you have to keep choosing each other. It takes effort, honesty, difficult conversations at times, and a willingness to evolve together rather than drift apart.

I can honestly say that the relationships with these women have shaped me more than any other. They influence how I show up at work, how I support and lead others, and how I handle the harder moments. If I’ve gained anything from supporting other women, it’s the security of knowing I have people who will steady me, challenge me and remind me who I am, no matter what."

 

 

Sally Carns

Sally is Director of Netball at the Guernsey Netball Association, championing participation, performance and confidence in women’s sport.

Sally finds meaning in helping women build confidence and the pride of watching women thrive.

“Supporting other women through the netball world has given me some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. There is nothing quite like watching another woman grow, achieve, or finally believe she can do something she once doubted. That feeling is phenomenal.

Netball has been the foundation of so many of the best parts of my life, my closest friends, my girl tribe, and even my career. None of that would have been possible without the incredible women who supported me as I developed, and that’s a gift I’m determined to pass on. Through both my work and volunteer roles, I’ve had the privilege of supporting women physically, mentally, and emotionally as they chase their goals, whether that’s competing at the highest level, gaining coaching or officiating qualifications, or simply finding the courage to walk back into a sport they loved when they were younger.

Sometimes support looks like a kind word, a bit of reassurance, or a gentle nudge that reminds them they can do it. Other times it’s more structured mentoring, hands-on guidance, or helping individuals and teams grow with purpose. Whatever form it takes, the outcome is the same: immense pride and deep satisfaction in watching their journeys unfold.

 

What I’ve gained is connection, purpose, and the joy of seeing women thrive and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.”

 

 

Karen Haith

Karen is the Founder of the Women’s Business Network, creating events where women can connect, share experiences and support one another.

Karen believes that bringing women together creates connection, confidence and lasting change.

“When I stepped away from a career in finance at a senior level I went through a lot of emotional challenges. I realised there was a need for a forum where women in business, or equivalent sectors, could talk to fellow women to support each other so I set up the WBN. It’s a very rewarding feeling to know that the WBN has played a part in helping local women - including me! - to connect, both personally and professionally. 

When women come together, they influence more than their own careers. They drive change. Business networking groups, with strong women and influential speakers in the room, can become springboards for advocacy, such as lobbying for equal pay, better maternity policies, and representation in leadership. Bringing women together, so they can share their experiences and support each other through the ups and downs of working life, is extremely satisfying. It gives me a sense of pride and purpose.”