International Women's Day: The women who keep Jackson Square running

00:01, 08 March 2023

Jackson Square’s female staff are celebrating their success in senior positions as part of International Women’s Day today (Wednesday, March 8).

The international event honours women’s achievements, raises awareness of sex discrimination and stereotyping and calls for action on equality.

Hayley Harris, operations assistant at the Bishop’s Stortford shopping centre, said: “As we mark International Women’s Day here at Jackson Square, we are proud to celebrate the women of the centre and shout about how these women continue to shape the significant, though unfinished, progress towards gender equality.”

The women who help to keep Jackson Square running. Pic: Vikki Lince

She said that around half of the precinct’s management and store leadership teams were women and she was proud of what had been achieved so far.

She added: “Having worked in property management for a combined 13 years, Corrina Savage, Jackson Square’s operations manager, and I, as an operations assistant, are proud to represent women in what is considered a male-dominated industry, with hopes to encourage future generations of women to pursue a career in property management.

“We are both equally empowered to perform outside our comfort zones, build and coach a successful team and provide a platform to community members and groups wherever possible."

Jackson Square operations team members, from left, assistant Hayley Harris, manager Corrina Savage and soft service manager Kim Stock. Pic: Vikki Lince

Kim Stock is another example of a woman who has worked her way through the ranks to become Jackson Square’s soft service manager.

She is in charge of the 44-unit centre’s security and cleaning team, once again a male-dominated role and industry.

Hayley said: “She leads with compassion, resilience and determination, taking the team on a journey rather than simply instructing.

"She knew what the role required and carried the confidence and self-belief to know that she was the one able to make it happen.

Jackson Square security officer Megan Evans with the centre's soft service manager Kim Stock. Pic: Vikki Lince

“The women of Jackson Square represent strength and passion and, though barriers to female leadership persist, we hope to inspire other females to follow whatever path they wish to, helping break through those barriers to achieve gender equality and embrace equity.”