To mark International Women’s Day 2025 (March 8th) we're highlighting some of the incredible women who keep this market thriving! With each passing year, there is a greater number of women working here, and we asked a small cross-section of those who work in the fruit and vegetable market for their thoughts on their jobs and the market environment. If you’re inspired, come and join them, there are jobs available for all ages and skill levels across the market

Tracey Fleming - @thornicroftsveg

"I love the people and the diversity of all the characters here, plus the bosses are brilliant. I’ve worked here for 10 years and we’re now seeing a lot more women working at the Market, especially in the offices - that’s been the biggest change. It’s becoming more inclusive and that’s really great to see. The Market is its own little world, like a village here in Nine Elms."

Barbara Kazimieruk (left) and Eva Teixeira (right) are both packers for @2serveuk

Barbara says: "At the beginning, it was quite hard but now we think we are equal here. It is a nice atmosphere. We do the same work and work just as hard - and often better."

Eva adds: "We are both packers. And the best ones! I had a similar job before and decided this is what I wanted to do. So I decided to come and work nights on the Market. It is going to be one year soon. I like everything about this job."

Lynda Hamill has worked as a buyer for @_iaharris_ for three years.

"Being a woman it can be hard work when you start [in a wholesale market] but I have been doing it for 19 years now. I drive a forklift and can beat the men! I enjoy the people you meet, lots of banter, and we all work as a team. When you work nights you need to have a good laugh because it is hard work.”

After nearly two decades at NCGM, Lynda is about to move on, but she won’t become a stranger. “I am moving to Woods Foodservice and will be doing direct buying, coming into the Market once or twice a week."

Good luck, Lynda!

Tako Cisse and Fiona Dykes of @natureschoicelondon 

Tako works as a sales advisor and Fiona helps to run the company alongside her husband and owner Martin Dykes.

Tako says: "It is nice seeing other ladies working here at the market. Everyone is nice. Being British, there is a lot of decorum. People offer you a hand if you are carrying heavy stuff. But I grew up with three brothers and can carry a bag of potatoes and be completely fine! I have been working here for three years. I deal with customer emails and customer queries, and also handle warehouse rotas and health and safety protocols. I enjoy the interactions with other people. There is a huge community and it is a very hands-on job, so there is never a boring moment. You need communication, a bit of common sense and some wits - being able to deal with a stressful situation and keeping a straight head is important."

Fiona adds: "The firm was set up in 1992. I do all the financial side of the things and it has just grown year on year. We are very proud of what we have achieved."

#NCGM50 #IWD2025 #IAccelerateAction