Women jumping for joy with a sunset behind them.

This International Women’s Day, Sunday 8 March, we’re celebrating the women of Surrey – quietly ambitious, effortlessly stylish, and quietly making the world better. Imagine what might change if they ran it.

Meetings would start on time and finish when they were meant to. There would be proper coffee – locally roasted, naturally – from Cobham’s Copper Coffee Roasters or Chris and Monika at Surrey Hills Coffee in Abinger Hammer. None of that instant nonsense, and yes, the pumpkin-spiced lattes would be taken seriously.

Dress codes would be relaxed but considered. Heels optional, trainers entirely acceptable. Practicality and polish would coexist effortlessly – a blazer over jeans or gym kit, boots for the school run, something smarter later on. Surrey women have always balanced town and country with ease – London within reach, the Downs on the doorstep. And because we love our local boutiques, there would inevitably be a pit stop at Guildford’s The Gate or Courtyard, Cobham’s Number 6 or Esher’s Number 4 Boutique, with a quick peek at the weekend farmers’ market on the way home.

Life would be full, but never chaotic. Tennis or yoga before work (hello Foxhills), a run at lunchtime, perhaps a round of golf, riding, or the occasional village fête later. Work matters, but so does fresh air, friendship, and knowing your children’s teachers by name.

And when the week winds down, everyone would slow down – properly. Perhaps over a glass of Denbies wine, or a gin from Silent Pool or Batts Hill – all local, naturally. Long weekend walks, followed by pub lunches, maybe a cheeky stop at the farm shop for some local cheese.

Success would be recognised in all its forms. Running a business from home in Farnham. Commuting to London from Dorking. Changing direction midlife. Volunteering at school. Supporting a local charity. Raising a family.

But if Surrey women ran the world, the changes wouldn’t stop at lifestyle. Serious issues like poverty would be faced head-on – locally and further afield. Community networks would be strengthened. Practical solutions would be put in place.

Conflict and war would be approached with the same instinct Surrey women bring to family and business life – to stabilise, protect, rebuild. In short, love over war, always.

Most of all, women would back women – loud and proud – through recommendations, introductions and well-deserved praise.

International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March is a natural moment to pause. It celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, encourages generosity and collaboration – the idea that when we invest in one another, everyone benefits.

In many ways, that spirit already exists here.

If Surrey women ran the world, a few things would change – quietly, efficiently, and without fuss.

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What if… Surrey women ran the world?

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