International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of Women and looks to raise awareness of gender equality and parity. Many businesses and organisations are using this day to celebrate workers achievements and call for further action in achieving equality.
As a Hub for business, the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce will be there leading the way and championing women in the workplace promoting numerous events and success stories around the two counties businesses.
The Chamber itself is an exemplar of the vast strides women have made change to business society over the years. In 1832, only businessmen would have started the local Chamber, working together for the benefit of their businesses collectively. But now, they are a vibrant diverse organisation, with many of their leadership team being female.
Speaking on the subject of diversity and celebrating a well-balanced working environment, Chamber Chief Executive, Sharon Smith, said: “Diversity in any group brings many rewards. A combination of different styles, ideas and approaches can reap greater rewards and results. Using this collective energy can also drive change and this in turn can be a major contributor to new ideas, increased innovation and improved motivation for all those involved.”
“With a national skills shortage in some areas, women are a vital part of the solution and its so important that we encourage and attract this part of the labour force into roles to support the economy. Women in the workforce are also essential for balance in team dynamics – the diversification that gender balance brings is critical to any successful team.”
Dawn Hardman, Director of HR at the Chamber, also commented on the importance of celebrating women’s success and achievements: “International Women’s Day provides us with an opportunity to not only celebrate the success of inspirational women but as a local employer working with many businesses across Herefordshire & Worcestershire, we are proud to be able to join with the local business community to help raise awareness of diversity and inclusion. Through the “choose to challenge” theme this year, we can really help to make a difference by changing attitudes and supporting best practice in everything we do.”
On what businesses should be doing to contribute towards accelerating and achieving gender parity, Gabriella Fryer, Marketing and Communications Manager, said: “The fight for equality has come a long way, and it’s thrilling to be a female in business at such a time when the world is feeling the shift.
Women play an essential part in business, just as they do in every other aspect of life. The long overdue diversity that we are seeing is historic, and celebrations such as International Women’s Day cement that females in business deserve to be here, and we are here to stay.
I believe that businesses more than ever, are welcome and open to this diversity and have balanced workforces. However, there is always more that can be done to stamp out age-old gender-phobic habits.
True equality in the workforce is about treating all people equally. Once we achieve that, we will be able to celebrate all people for their achievements alone, regardless of their gender. I look forward to that day.”
Robert Elliot, Director of Business Engagement & Development, added: “Female role models push the boundaries, and highlight opportunity for future generations. One day does not do justice to the incredible contribution women make across our community but as it highlights their efforts, I wholeheartedly celebrate International Women’s Day.”
The Chamber also run a highly successful Women’s Business Conference which sees a host of informative and engaging speakers deliver innovative break out room discussions over Zoom and also included the chance for networking opportunities. The next scheduled Women’s Business Conference will be held in association with Bishop Fleming and takes place on Thursday 6 May, to find out more contact [email protected].
The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is ‘Choose To Challenge‘. A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change. So let’s all #ChooseToChallenge. Get involved and find out more by taking part in some of the events running across March from Chambers across the UK. www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/international-womens-day.