As we approach International Women’s Day in 2024, we celebrate the remarkable journey of the women who have contributed to the success and vibrant culture of Ramon throughout the years. From the company’s earliest days to the present, women have played integral roles, shaping not only the products we create but also the very essence of our workplace community. Our marketing team has taken the time to interview some of the longest-serving women in the company, whose dedication and hard work continue to inspire us all.
Women at the Heart of Ramon’s History
A snap of an early staff outing in 1958. Among those are Mrs Berta Jolly and Mrs Patricia Miles. Look at all these Women!
Founded in 1951, Ramon owes much of its early success to the dedicated women who formed the backbone of the company. Mrs. Bertha Jolly, the first employee of Ramon, set a precedent for the significant role women would play in the company’s operations. Alongside her, other women like Patricia Miles contributed to Ramon’s growth and success. Patricia worked tirelessly from home, folding, cutting, and packing cloths. Her legacy continues with both her son and daughter-in-law working for the company for over 30 years. Patricia’s son Gary remembers helping his mum fold cloths at home while earning 2 shillings for every 100 items she folded and packed. This work was ahead of its time as it allowed women to raise children while still bringing a source of income to the household.
A Tradition of Support and Respect
At Ramon, we’ve always believed in providing equal opportunities for all our employees, regardless of gender or background. Sally, who has been with us for 11 years, notes the welcoming atmosphere and fair treatment she experienced from day one. This sentiment is echoed by Usha and Rekha, who have been part of the Ramon family since the late 1990s, emphasising the strong sense of sisterhood and support among female colleagues.
Through interviews, women shared what they believe makes their contributions to Ramon special. They emphasised their ability to nurture collaboration, foster empathy, and lead with compassion. Their dedication to excellence and unwavering commitment to supporting one another create a dynamic and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.
Their passion for making a difference extends beyond their roles, inspiring positive change within our organisation and the communities we serve. Women at Ramon are not just employees; they are leaders, mentors, and catalysts for innovation.
A Legacy of Longevity and Dedication
Throughout the decades, women like Julie, who has dedicated an incredible 45 years to Ramon, have been instrumental in shaping the company’s identity. From Julie’s early days in folding and packing to her current role in warp knitting, her commitment and passion serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us. A truly unforgettable woman.
Jacquie Agnew stands as a beacon of experience and resilience at Ramon, having blazed trails as one of our first female sales representatives. With an impressive 30-year tenure in the sales industry, Jacquie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Her journey exemplifies the strength and determination of women in traditionally male-dominated fields. In her interviews, Jacquie shared invaluable insights into her experiences, highlighting the importance of perseverance and adaptability in navigating challenges.
At Ramon, we are fortunate to have had the privilege of learning from Jacquie and other experienced women who continue to inspire us every day.
Above is a snap of Julie Goy, she is the longest serving staff member to still work at Ramon. She has worked on the machine behind her for 45 years!
Supporting Women Through Challenges and Triumphs
At Ramon, we prioritise supporting our female employees through life’s challenges. Sam, a valued member of our warehouse team, faced the devastating loss of a baby just before joining the company in 1997. Ramon provided her with the time and space she needed to grieve, offering compassion, and understanding throughout her healing process.
Similarly, Usha, who has been with Ramon since 1998, experienced the loss of her husband. During this difficult time, Ramon offered both emotional support and practical assistance, enabling Usha to navigate through her grief and rebuild her life with confidence.
Many of our female employees have reported facing personal challenges while working at Ramon. These challenges include caring for sick family members, managing cultural expectations, as well as dealing with individual tragedies. To support our female employees during these tough times, Ramon provides flexible working arrangements, understanding managers, and a supportive network of colleagues. At Ramon, we believe in empowering women to thrive both personally and professionally. Our goal is to create a culture of empathy and support where all employees feel valued and cared for, regardless of the challenges they may face.
How times have changed
Over the years, Ramon has undergone significant transformations to move with the times. One notable change has been our approach to employee benefits, including maternity leave policies. The regulation changed in 1999 to state all employees who give birth to a child during their employment must take a minimum of two weeks of compulsory maternity leave. Staff who had children before this told us, that if you didn’t work, you didn’t get paid for maternity, but we’ve since recognised the importance of supporting working parents and have implemented more generous maternity leave benefits. Additionally, we’ve eradicated piecework, ensuring fair compensation for all employees based on their contributions rather than arbitrary quotas.
Vina, who has been with our company for 24 years, expressed her opinion on the advantages of our flexible organisational structure. We encourage our employees to explore various roles, promote collaboration and innovation, and nurture personal growth. Our commitment to creating a workplace that respects and empowers every individual remains steadfast as we adapt and evolve.
Above is Lisa Powel, A PA to the directors of the time. Used as a model for hygiene products.
A Vision for the Future
Our female employees have expressed their desire to live in a world where opportunities are truly equal, regardless of gender or background. They believe in a future where women and individuals from diverse backgrounds are empowered to pursue their dreams without any barriers or limitations.
In this future, we envision workplaces that prioritise inclusivity, where women not only have a presence but are thriving in leadership positions across all industries.
A Commitment to Inclusivity
Inclusivity is not just a trendy term at Ramon; it’s an integral part of our core values. From the very beginning, we have prioritised creating a welcoming environment for individuals of all races and genders, where diversity is celebrated. Our commitment to inclusivity is greatly appreciated by the women at Ramon, who value the concrete steps we take to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and included.
When asked about the initiatives that foster inclusivity at Ramon, the women highlighted several key practices. They praised our inclusive hiring, noting that the company has been welcoming individuals of all genders and races since its founding. They also commended the culture of respect and understanding at Ramon, where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
Ramon’s new management focuses on unity and teamwork. They aim to foster camaraderie among employees and view the company as one team. To strengthen this bond, they increased team-building exercises and plan to host more staff parties. Feedback from employees is used to shape initiatives and ensure their voices are heard. This effort to promote collaboration is a cornerstone of their company culture.
Honouring the Women of Ramon
Throughout Ramon’s history, there have been countless women who have made lasting contributions to the company. From Shelley and Kim in the general office, who have provided unwavering support and guidance, to Hazel Pick, whose managerial skills have left a lasting impact, these women have played pivotal roles in shaping Ramon’s success since 1962.
As we pay tribute to the memory of Madhu Kanani, a beloved member of our team for over two decades, we honour her legacy of resilience and dedication. her spirit will forever remain a guiding light within our Ramon community. Her final days spent in Vrindavan, fulfilling her spiritual journey, reflect the depth of character and cultural diversity that enriches our company.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all the women who have contributed their talents, dedication, and resilience to Ramon. Whether you’ve been with us for decades or are just starting your journey, know that your impact is immeasurable, and we are grateful for everything you bring to our company.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Ramon family.
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