Inspired by women who inspire

Sally Fraser

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) for many reasons here at H Fraser Consulting! This year’s theme is #AccelerateAction and it’s one that really resonates for us. Did you know that at the current rate of progress, it could take until 2158 (which is roughly five generations from now), to reach full gender parity?…according to data from the World Economic Forum.

So, it’s only right for us to show our appreciation for the incredible women who are making a real difference – not only in the water and environmental sector, but also in our daily lives. Our biggest inspiration is Hannah Fraser, Managing Director of H Fraser Consulting (HFCL), whose leadership and expertise continues to inspire and drive positive change in the field.

Hannah’s dedication to ensuring that technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and sustainability are at the heart of every project is a testament to her passion for creating a more equitable future. Her work not only helps navigate complex environmental challenges, but also paves the way for greater gender inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She’s also a great boss who promotes mental well-being and a healthy work-life balance.

We also recognise our team – Mary (who organised this years IWD celebrations), Sally, Holly, Roz, Kim, Emilie, and Lisa, and other countless women we work with, from engineers and consultants to planners and policymakers, who are breaking barriers, leading innovation, and fostering collaboration across sectors. Your contributions are vital to advancing gender equality and ensuring that sustainable development becomes a reality for all.

A big shout out also goes to the wonderful Joe Gomme, the only male in an otherwise all female company! Joe is supportive of our efforts to elevate and amplify the focus on gender equality and along with the rest of the team, is committed to the wellbeing of our staff, community, and betterment of the environment. 

IWD is a great occasion to celebrate our achievements and to empower us in our quest to achieve more! In the last year, Hannah brought home The Visionary Leadership award at the Good Small Business Awards, which recognises a business owner who has made strides in sustainability for transformational future impact. HFCL also welcomed two additional female consultants to the team. Together, we have contributed to several landmark groundwater and land quality projects, with our reputation growing for our technical expertise and extensive experience as soil and water consultants.

Accelerate Action emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

As we reflect on how far we’ve come, let’s also recognise how much more we need to do to create an even more inclusive and diverse industry. Together, we can continue to accelerate action toward gender equality, creating a stronger, more sustainable future for generations to come. Here’s to all the women shaping the future of science! We salute you!

#IWD2025 #WomenInWater #GenderEquality #Leadership #SustainableDevelopment #Collaboration #Innovation #HannahFraser #InternationalWomensDay – internationalwomensday.com