International Women's Day 2025

‘Accelerating Action’ for International Women’s Day 2025, the women of West Mercia Police, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service speak out.

By Ruby Edwards28 February 20253 min read

Author: Ruby Edwards, You Do Better Ltd.

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, West Mercia Police, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) speak out. They discuss why they celebrate International Women’s Day as well as embrace the theme of ‘Accelerate Action’.

As seen in the Worcester News and online at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

CAPTION: L-R: DCI Liz Warner of West Mercia Police, Watch Commander Sophie Potter of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer Michelle Brotherton of West Midlands Ambulance Service speak out about why they celebrate International Women’s Day and embrace the theme of ‘Accelerate Action’.

Accelerate action

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, West Mercia Police, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) are teaming up to host an inspiring event. It’s aimed at accelerating action and promoting inclusion within their emergency services across Worcestershire.

The event will take place on 6th March 2025. It will be co-hosted by West Mercia Police’s women’s staff network, WoW (Women of West Mercia), alongside colleagues from WMAS and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

Speaking about the event, host DCI Liz Warner of West Mercia Police said: “We recognise, in policing, that we have the power and platform to make a difference. This event is about ensuring that our colleagues in the emergency services are supported, valued and empowered to be their very best, and that we continue to be a reflective and inclusive workforce.”

The journey continues

Watch Commander Sophie Potter, Vice Chair of Women@HWfire, and one of the founding members of the network, has worked in HWFRS for 19 years. Sophie has seen many positive changes. But she states; “that’s not to say there isn’t more that can be done, the journey continues.”

Sophie reflects on the significance of the event and the theme for International Women’s Day 2025:

Women@HWFire champions a safe arena for women to talk about issues affecting them. Promoting and developing inclusion is a responsibility for all of us, that’s why this year’s theme ‘Accelerate Action’ for International Women’s Day resonates. The joint event with Women of West Mercia will help the attendees understand how they personally can accelerate action and do what they can to truly make a positive difference for women.

A journey

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer Michelle Brotherton, Non-Emergency Services Operations Delivery, Improvement Director at WMAS and Executive Sponsor of the WMAS Women’s Network, will be in attendance on the 6th. In addition, she will be delivering a presentation on her career journey. Michelle will also be sharing her experiences and insights into leadership within the emergency services at a separate event with West Midlands Ambulance Service on 7th March 2025.

Michelle commented: “I’m excited to be part of such a meaningful event that not only celebrates women’s achievements but also encourages proactive steps toward creating an inclusive and supportive working environment. My journey, over the last 30 years, in emergency services has been deeply shaped by mentorship and collaboration. I look forward to inspiring others to lead in their own unique ways.”

The celebration, and call to action, that is International Women’s Day, supports ongoing discussions like these. They are critical in addressing the continued challenges faced by women and girls in society.