#IWD: Carol Sparling

Linda Barclay Isles

Friday 8 March 2024

International Women’s Day 2024 – #InspireInclusion 

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to champion the power of women’s voices and drive positive change.
 
We spoke to women across the the University who all have one thing in common – an unwavering pursuit of equality. We asked them why they thought it was important to mark IWD, who inspires them and what they love about being a woman.

Carol Sparling, Director of the Sea Mammal Research Unit

What you love about being a woman?

 I love the feeling of sisterhood and community being around other women, whether that is in the work environment (there are some really amazing women working at SMRU and at the Scottish Oceans Institute!) or in other aspects of my life such as the mountain biking community, there is something really special about the empowerment, validation and inspiration you get when you get together with a group of diverse women with a shared interest.   

What is one thing that you would like to see done to help further equality for women?

All genders being part of the conversation and the solutions – achieving gender equality needs everyone to be actively engaged and thinking about the issues and being proactive in developing and implementing solutions.

Is there a woman who has inspired you personally or professionally?

It’s impossible to name one. Every woman who strives to achieve something, whether professionally or personally, inspires me. Particularly those juggling families, caring responsibilities and other struggles on a daily basis while also giving time to build and develop a career and support and mentor others along the way.

Actually, my mum is a huge inspiration, she worked full time while raising two children, including working in a factory in the evenings to make ends meet when we were really small, tag teaming with my dad who worked full time during the day. She returned to a career in the NHS once we were a bit older and she brought me up never questioning I had an equal place in this world and that I could have a career just the same as my big brother!