COTA Case Management celebrates International Women’s Day by recognising the achievements of women in the case management, healthcare, and legal sectors. Managing Director Lauren McCluskey shares her thoughts on leadership, gender equality, and advice for women advancing their careers.

Saturday 8th March is International Women’s Day (IWD), which is a global celebration of women’s achievements and designed to drive for greater gender equality. At COTA Case Management, we understand the importance of the day, and we’re proud that 75% of our workforce are female. We’re also passionate about IWD as the day aligns with our values of empowerment, inclusivity, and advocacy, something we’re always striving to deliver for clients. It also advocates for greater compassion and collaboration something that we always deliver as part of dedicated client care.

The case management sector has a significant number of female professionals working within it. This makes IWD an ideal opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of women both within COTA and the broader healthcare and legal sectors. It’s also a moment to reflect on gender equity, ensuring that women, whether clients, employees, or industry peers, are supported, valued, and given equal opportunities to thrive.

To mark the occasion of IWD, we sat down with COTA Case Management’s Managing Director, Lauren McCluskey. During the discussion, we explored the meaning of IWD to Lauren, her inspirations, advice to women looking to advance their careers in case management, and much more.

Lauren McCluskey’s International Women’s Day Discussion

What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?

International Women’s Day is an important reminder of how far we have come in society but also a reminder of how much work is still needed to be done to ensure the fundamental human right of gender equality for future generations. It represents how we have come together to drive positive change in society and is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible successes of women.

Is there a woman who has inspired you in your personal or professional life?

There are so many brave and trailblazing women who went before us and inspire us to push for more and to continually challenge gender stereotypes. I have worked with so many inspirational women over the years—too many to mention!

However, I have always been inspired by both my parents, who have always encouraged me to follow my dreams and aspirations and to never let anyone tell me I can’t achieve something because of my gender. I hope to pass the same wisdom on to my own daughter.

What are some key qualities that make a great female leader?

I think that generally the qualities of a good leader are the same for both women and men. However, women in leadership roles can bring additional qualities to the table that have been shown to improve productivity and economic growth, such as empathy, humility, patience, resilience, and authenticity.

What are some key changes you’d like to see for women in the next 10 years?

Anything is possible when men and women come together! We all need to share the vision of equal rights for all and build a society in which women and men enjoy the same opportunities, rights, and obligations in all spheres of life, and women are not just seen as the supporting act—this starts at a young age.

More needs to be done in schools to promote gender equality and not promote gender stereotypes. An equitable classroom is essential in building a foundation for the future of an equal society. This should include things like not referring to stereotypical characteristics like ‘boys don’t cry’ or ‘girls don’t fight’ or teachers challenging male dominance in classrooms or derogatory phrases, such as ‘you play like a girl.’.

More also needs to be done to tackle employment levels and the pay gap between men and women in the UK. Women’s worsening unemployment and participation in the workforce has pulled the UK to its lowest ranking for workplace equality among large world economies in a decade.

What advice would you give to women looking to advance their careers in case management?

Stay curious and commit to lifelong learning! Find a mentor who you can relate to and ask for help if you need it. Speak up, focus on your strengths, and don’t be afraid to take a risk.

To learn more about the compassionate and comprehensive work Lauren and COTA Case Management deliver for clients, then visit our website. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.