International Women’s Day celebrated in unique way at The Cumberland

The Cumberland's Debbie Shearer checks out the window art as Emily Ford makes some finishing touches. Emily is pictured in the window with Debbie pictured on the outside — The Cumberland’s Debbie Shearer checks out the window art as Emily Ford makes some finishing touches

International Women’s Day was celebrated in a unique way by one Cumbrian business when it commissioned a window artist to create a display of inspiring female role models.

The Cumberland surveyed its staff to find out which women they believed should be included in the artwork.

Nominations included actress Emma Watson, Simone Biles, Cher, the Queen and Jacinda Ardern.

But many staff also nominated colleagues and relatives, keen to see their strengths and kindness celebrated on International Women’s Day.

So Cumberland staff and quotes about inspiring mothers, wives and colleagues feature in the artwork along with Sara Oldham, charity executive of CFM’s Cash for Kids.

The display was completed during the day by Cumbrian illustrator Emily Ford who rose to the challenge of turning the list of nominations into artwork using acrylics and paint pens.

“It’s been a good way to celebrate International Women’s Day and some of the personal stories about people’s mums and colleagues were lovely to read,” she said.

The Cumberland’s Debbie Shearer admitted to feeling very emotional and humbled when she found out she had been nominated by colleagues and included in the window art.

“It’s a brilliant way to celebrate the day. We’ve had a real mixture of nominations including family members and those who have taken inspiration from colleagues.

“Historically International Women’s Day has focused on high profile women, but now we can also use it to recognise the contribution women make at every level,” she said, adding: “Everyone has been through a lot over the last two years and with 90 per cent of our branch colleagues being women it’s important we recognise that we’ve had female colleagues who have been coping with homeschooling, remote working and coming in to work on the frontline to keep branches open.”

Debbie is Head of First Line Risk at The Cumberland where she has worked for 33 years. She manages everything from regulatory requirements to ensuring there is help for vulnerable customers.

She was delighted with Emily’s finished work and said: “It’s a wonderful idea and a different way to celebrate how important women are. What comes through in the nominations is that women are being celebrating for their caring and putting other people first as well as their achievements.”