view lightbox
The Quiet Revolution: Why International Women’s Day Matters More Than Ever in Our Industry
written by
Tessa Dewing
The Quiet Revolution: Why International Women’s Day Matters More Than Ever in Our Industry
By Tessa Dewing, Managing Director of Sandra Reynolds and host of The Business of Modelling podcast
As I sit in our office, thinking about Sandra Reynolds reaching its fiftieth year, I’m reminded of just how far this industry has come. When I first came into it over thirty years ago, I stepped into a world shaped largely by women who quietly held everything together behind the scenes, and where attitudes, particularly from some men in the room, were very different from today.
Before we go any further, I want to acknowledge something that matters deeply to me. I often feel uncomfortable when I hear conversations that paint “men” as one collective group responsible for the behaviours of the past. It simply isn’t true. It wasn’t true then, and it isn’t true now. While there were absolutely men whose actions caused harm or discomfort, there were also many who stood firmly against that culture, sometimes making themselves unpopular for doing so. They deserve to be recognised as part of the progress.
That said, we cannot rewrite how things were. Not long ago, public comments about a woman’s appearance were accepted as harmless jokes. A model could have her bottom slapped, or worse, as she walked back to the changing room and be expected to laugh it off. It was framed as part of the job. The MeToo movement and the Epstein scandal forced the world to confront what too many had endured silently. For the first time, those behaviours were seen clearly for what they were.
The Stories Behind The Stories
The modelling industry is full of glossy narratives about overnight success, but behind the scenes are the real architects of those stories. The bookers who guide models through difficult moments and are available long after their 'working hours' have finished. The production teams who create safe, professional environments, and the creatives who understand that their work begins with respecting the person standing in front of the camera.
For more than three decades, I’ve worked alongside an extraordinary team of women at Sandra Reynolds - many have been with me for almost as long. They’re sharp-minded, compassionate, determined, and incredibly loyal. They have shaped our agency in ways that go far beyond job titles and I’m endlessly proud of them.
Lifting the Curtain
When I started The Business of Modelling podcast last year, I wanted to highlight the depth, intelligence, and skill this industry requires. Every conversation reinforces something I’ve always known: the modelling world is sustained by women who navigate difficult situations with grace and strategy, and by men who genuinely champion an environment of respect.
One of the most encouraging things in recent years has been the growing number of men who actively uphold these standards. Not performatively, but because they believe it’s the right way to work. We’re now working with teams where respect is a given, rather than a negotiation. Men listen, advocate, and share responsibility for creating a safe working environment.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Our juniors division has given us a unique responsibility, and a real privilege. We’re not just guiding young talent through their first castings; we’re teaching them their worth. We encourage them to speak up, set boundaries, and expect professionalism at every stage. Thankfully, the teenagers who walk through our doors today will never have to experience what their predecessors did.
Women Around the World
A Future We Shape Together
International Women’s Day isn’t about pretending the journey has been simple or the progress evenly shared. It’s about recognising how far we’ve come, acknowledging the women who are still waiting for change, and understanding the responsibility we carry, both within our industry and as part of a wider global community.
To our models: your wellbeing and your voice matter immensely.
To our clients: thank you to those who continue to champion fairness and decency on every set.
To the men who have evolved with the times, and those who were ahead of their time, we see you, too.
A Personal Reflection
When I look around at the people I’ve worked with over the years, I’m filled with gratitude. The women who’ve been by my side for decades, the new voices bringing fresh ideas and the men who lead with integrity. The young girls we’re helping grow not just into models, but into confident, capable women. This is the real heart of our industry. Not the fleeting glamour, but the community and the shared values.
Tessa Dewing is Managing Director of Sandra Reynolds Model Agency and host of The Business of Modelling podcast. Follow our journey at www.sandrareynolds.co.uk and www.businessofmodelling.co.uk.
share post
written by Tessa Dewing
get in touch with the booking desk
020 7387 5858 send an email subscribe to our newsletter live chat using the icon below
