Bylines Network has the privilege of having a high proportion of women who are, or share the job of, Editors-in-Chief across all ten of our publications – standing at an amazing 83%, while the industry standard is 46% in the UK. And that is not mentioning the plethora of women behind the scenes here at the Network, without whom we would not be able to function.
For International Women’s Day, on this year’s theme of Give to Gain, the Bylines Network has collaborated to bring you profiles of the amazing women that lead our publications – giving you our stories, so that we may all gain empowerment and inspiration.
You can find the profiles of our female Editors-in-Chief at the following links:
- Bylines Scotland
- Central Bylines
- East Anglia Bylines
- Kent and Surrey Bylines
- North East Bylines
- North West Bylines
- Sussex Bylines
- West England Bylines
- Yorkshire Bylines
[Note Bylines Cymru has an interim EiC therefore is not in the list]
For International Women’s Day, here at North West Bylines we are showcasing some of our incredible female authors over 7 and 8 March. To kick things off we start with Anna, our Editor-in-Chief who was recently interviewed by Gemma Gould from Central Bylines.
Anna was born in the Netherlands and moved to the UK in 1989. She chose to make Wigan her home and dedicated her working life to animals working as a Vet. It takes someone pretty special to help animals in their hour of need, which Anna did tirelessly until she retired. In 2011. She helped found the British Dupuytren’s Society charity, of which she is a chairperson and heads up the Dupuytren’s section of the charity.
She joined Bylines Network in 2021 as a core team member for North West Bylines. As the Editor-in-Chief at North West she champions marginalised voices going above and beyond to ensure that all are given equal representation. On top of her work at North West Bylines Anna also has a close working partnership with Central Bylines. She is always the first to offer help to her fellow Bylines people and is someone whom all can rely on. Her passion for what Bylines Network stands for and her fierce belief in equal rights for all regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation etc shines through in everything she does. She is a champion of human rights.
Foreword by Gemma Gould
From the moment I joined Bylines Network, Anna has been warm, welcoming and an absolute superstar in terms of helping me when I have stumbled. Her loyalty is unquestionable and her support has extended beyond the network boundaries. Whether it be an edit needed, a last minute image to find or just someone to lean on in times of doubt, trouble or hardship, Anna has always been there. I am deeply honoured to have met her and to be able to call her a friend.
For International Women’s Day I couldn’t have thought of a better person to interview. This is me in conversation with the inimitable Anna.
So Anna, what do you enjoy the most about working for Bylines Network?
I enjoy being around likeminded people, the teamwork, and giving people a voice. I find it really satisfying to produce a good informative article that you know will touch a chord with people.
I think that it is at the crux of what you do as an Editor-in-Chief, you bring people the stories that touch them, I’ve watched you do that time and time again like no one else and it’s inspiring. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day to me is a day to celebrate and show the world what normal women are capable of.
I hear you there, the world definitely needs to recognise that more for sure, women like those here at the Network and in fact you even. Who would you say are the women who have inspired you/shaped your world?
For me there hasn’t been just one particular woman or a handful of women. There have been many who have been an example to me through their compassion, their standards and their attitude to life.
Yeah that is a really difficult question to answer. Ok so now for another tricky question. If you could sit down in conversation with any woman past or present who would it be and why?
Oh that is an easy one. For me it would be Mother Theresa. No doubt about it and as for why it needs no real explanation. I mean it’s Mother Theresa!
Mother Theresa was an incredible woman, can you imagine just even being in her presence, what an honour that would be. Okay final question for you let’s end on a high note! What is one experience you’ve had in a male dominated environment or of the patriarchy?
Oh there have been so many but one that really gets me is my utility bills always being addressed to Mr Schurer (even after several phone calls to correct them), it’s as if they believe us women are not capable of paying a gas bill. It drives me mad!
Yes absolutely I am often referred to as Mr Gould on utility bills it’s just insulting and so outdated. Unfortunately our time here is drawing to a close. I could talk to you for hours. You are such an inspiration in all you do. Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I would say to any woman: you can do it! Whatever it is, however many people don’t believe in you, believe in yourself and just go for it. There’s no job a woman can’t do.
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