Drawing inspiration from our Founder this International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day has been around since 1911 and is observed annually on March 8th. The day celebrates the achievements of women and advocates their rights and equality globally whilst acknowledging the roles of ordinary women in shaping the history of the communities around them.
We are proud to highlight the immense role that women play in the care sector and we do not have to look far for our inspiration. Our Founder Elizabeth Finn was a truly remarkable woman and a visionary who enriched the lives of so many.
Following many years abroad carrying out humanitarian work and supporting local communities, Elizabeth returned to England where in 1887 at the age of 72, she founded the Distressed Gentlefolk’s Aid Association (DGAA) along with her daughter Constance.
Today Elizabeth’s legacy still guides everything we do at Elizabeth Finn Homes. We bear her name and all she stood for with pride and we work to uphold the values she put in place all those years ago.
Many of our staff have been in the care sector for decades and over the years their work and dedication has made a real difference to the lives of those they have cared for, to work colleagues and to those in the wider community.
Michelle Francis, Quality and Compliance Lead, has a nursing career spanning 30 years and has immense pride in all that she has experienced and learned over this time.
Nursing, though traditionally a female-dominated profession, has not always been free from episodes of disparity. Early in her career, Michelle was witness to a clear hierarchy between medicine and nursing, when medicine was still a heavily male-dominated profession, and nurses were not given the respect or the voice they deserved.
“Advocating for patients is at the heart of nursing,” explains Michelle. “It was important that my voice was heard, and that patient’s wishes were respected.” Michelle was undeterred by the difficulties she encountered, which only reinforced her commitment to patient advocacy, a role that remains an incredible privilege for her today.
We should not forget that any role, nursing or otherwise often involves balancing a career with motherhood. Michelle raised two children alongside her nursing role including coping with a progressive illness that changed the life of one of her daughters at the age of 18.
Despite all the complications and challenges this brought for Michelle and her family, she has continued to grow in her career while supporting her daughter in leading the life has chosen.
“Every experience has strengthened my resolve to advocate—not only for those in my care but also for the next generation of nurses,” states Michelle. “My passion today lies in ensuring that in social care, we harness talent, nurture passion, and create space for future carers and nurses to thrive.”
Michelle is just one example of the amazing women we are proud to call a colleague. All our staff are amazing in one way or another, helping make life brighter, more comfortable, easier to bear.
Neither must we forget that our residents have made their own mark on the world.
Like Edna who is 99 years old and a resident at Grove Court. She was a pioneering Oncology Consultant at St. Barts Hospital in London and worked in a predominantly male environment. She tells us that initially they were surprised to have woman working with them but they quickly got used to it!
Edna remains a strong-minded woman with her own views and outlook on life and is an inspiration to our younger staff members.
Also a resident at Grove Court, Margo is 106 years old and along with her family was involved in the hotel business from a young age. Her role involved organising entertainment and she spent a lot of time socialising with hotel guests. She has met many interesting people in her life including HM Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Margaret and Lord Mountbatten and many film and sports stars.
Margo remains a very sociable woman who loves to be involved in what is going on around her and is a treasured and much-loved part of daily life at Grove Court.
International Women’s Day honours the achievements of women across all aspects of life – social, economic, cultural, and political and we are so proud of all those who impact our lives every day.
#AccelerateAction #IWD2025
