International Women’s Day will be on Monday 8 March this year and the focus will be ‘Choose to Challenge’.
Showcasing the best of women, especially the number of women in the Chamber Network, is something we should shout about. Did you know we have 53 women CEOs across our network? That is something to be very proud of. We work with some amazing people and we want to shout about that!
We’ve presented our CEO, Sharon Smith, with a set of questions, read more below!
- Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self?
Be more confident and speak out when you have something valid to say. Thankfully it’s not a problem for me now, but was it was for my younger self!
- What was it like ‘starting again’ when you returned to work after having a family?
The first time was hard, as I was made redundant on my return after a parent company merger. That was a long time ago now, and I don’t recall the maternity legislation at the time but quite honestly, I wish I had known before I returned to work on day 1 having just left my first child for the first day, that I would be returning home again at 9.30am! The second time was simple as I returned to work at a great employer and was fully supported.
- Why is supporting the women in our networks (colleagues or Members) so important?
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.
- What does the Chamber do to support women in your teams?
We carefully adhere to all equality and diversity regulations – both legislatively and in the spirit that it’s intended, with support via genuine equal opportunities for all. This is enhanced by good flexible working policies that can cater for the flexibility any gender needs to ensure a great work-life balance. For our Members, we facilitate a thriving Women’s Business Forum and an Annual Women’s Business Conference, where we hear from inspirational female leaders and network around learning new skills and setting goals.
- What skills do you feel are our biggest asset as women in the workplace?
Commitment, empowerment, conscientiousness and empathy, whilst delivering strategically and operationally.
- What advice would you give male colleagues to support women in the workplace?
Embrace and utilise the differences in us all, whilst offering equality and fairness at all times.
- With the challenges we have all faced this last year, what would you say has been the most challenging part of living during a global pandemic, be it work/ business, personal or family related?
Setting aside the most obvious point of keeping everyone safe and healthy (both at work and home), I believe one of the most challenging parts has been for parents of children when they have not been at nursery, school or childcare. Trying to balance home schooling, looking after children and balancing your daily work commitments has to have been an extreme challenge for many – well done to all of you, and keep going!
Take a look at what’s happening across our Chamber Network as part of International Women’s Day 2021: https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/international-womens-day