Meet the Women of Nuffield Health - Molly Winter

Can you tell us about your role at Nuffield Health? 

I work at our Oxford Hospital as Outpatients Manager and have previously been a Senior Staff Nurse, and Outpatients Sister. I see myself as a Mother, Manager, Mentor, Colleague and Friend. I’ve been with The Nuffield Health for over ten years now. My role at Nuffield Health is to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Outpatient Department. I’m a practising Nichiren Buddhist.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a very important celebration of how far we’ve come as a society & how much we’ve achieved culturally in terms of acceptance and respect. Also it’s a reminder that we still have change to make and attitudes to shift. My philosophical spiritual practise, Nichiren Buddhism is based on culture, education and value creation. This allows me to see humanity in oneself and in others.

“Women are the shining suns of faith and happiness of their families.” -President Daisaku Ikeda

International Women’s Day is very important to me because it shines a bright light onto women who have so tragically been placed on the backburner for so long. I sense real change in perspective and the way we as a society look at & treat women in recent years. From my position, to do my part I can fuel the fires of acceptance and question deep rooted misogynistic values to help social, cultural change. It’s important to recognise issues and realise where they’re rooted in before making any significant steps to change.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women today and what has been your biggest challenge?

“Women have tremendous power. They’re a treasure and bright sunshine of the world. Never retreat in faith in yourself no matter what your status or position.” -President Daisaku Ikeda

Women have come very far in terms of acceptance and recognition of skills beyond domestic motherhood in recent decades. Not only in this country but worldwide. In my opinion women still face many challenges and have ways to go but we are on the right path. This I am so happy and encouraged by.

Our biggest challenge we face as women I feel is perception. Women have always known the power we hold- Mothering the next generations for centuries.

 “Good women are the bastions of civilisation and culture.” “Women Inspire trust and a sense of reassurance in those around them.” -President Daisaku Ikeda

Which woman has inspired you and why?

I’m constantly inspired by women of all ages, backgrounds, and positions. Their strong stance to be themselves in the face of adversity, their uniqueness and strong will in the face of oppression. All are qualities I admire.

“Women are, by their power of conversation and social influence, the civilisers of human kind. What is civilisation? I answer the power of good women.” -President Daisaku Ikeda

One woman from history in particular that has inspired me is Rosa Parks. Her Determination and courage. Her wisdom and conviction speak to me. She stood for equality, love, and compassion at a time when it was needed most. She refused her oppressive treatment with fierce determination and campaigned to fight for minorities.

This woman was made aware of the power which she yields. This was a light bulb moment for me realising women are stronger than portrayed by the media and past generations of ruling men.

“The real driving force to change the time are the prayers of women and their activities are deeply rooted in daily life. The power of women can be likened to the power of the Earth. When the earth moves, everything is affected. The strength of women is unlimited; nothing can surpass it.”

This International Women’s Day I would like to celebrate all the hard work we as women endure daily, weekly, monthly, yearly. It can sometimes be a struggle but it’s so worth it. Thank you to all the mothers, sisters, grandmothers, friends, daughters for existing and bringing so much light to this world.

I’m also happy to see the initiatives made by The Nuffield Health brand towards recognising female voices, including women in senior leadership. This is proof of us walking in the right direction and I’m so proud to be working for a charity which empowers women.

“It is the heart of a woman that opens the door to the era of true globalisation. The century of women is the century of human rights.” -President Daisaku Ikeda

I’m counting on every woman on 8 March specifically and also for the next 364 days of the year!

Last updated Thursday 4 March 2021

First published on Thursday 4 March 2021