I recently joined the Women on Boards think tank and attended its London launch. So, what’s it all about, and what happened at the launch? Read on to learn more.
What is Women on Boards about?
Women on Boards is a new think tank passionate about getting everyone on board and increasing female representation at the senior level in businesses in the UK.
It’s about using our collective voice to share our experiences and spread the word about women in business and the roles they can play at board level. It takes a top-down, bottom-up approach where everyone can be heard.
Why am I getting involved?
I know I’m not the only woman in business who’s been affected by sexism and misogyny in the workplace. In my previous work life in the city, an old boss would refuse to give me work, saying, “You can’t do that because you’re female,” when my qualifications and experience meant I was more than up to the job.
I grew up in a culture where wolf whistling and groping were considered normal, and I don’t want my daughter, nieces and female family members to have to fight the same battles.
My belief is that for change to happen we all need to share our experience and work together towards developing a new culture in society.
What’s happened so far?
We had our first think tank meeting at the House of Lords in March. We were put in groups with a chair to lead the discussion and questions to guide us as we discussed our thoughts. Each discussion was recorded to give feedback to the group leaders. These discussions form part of a broader research project, ultimately leading to a white paper.
The discussions filtered into many strands and issues that affect women in business, including flexible working, parental leave, income, and the motherhood penalty.
The launch
The launch took place at Barclays HQ in Canary Wharf, and there was a real, change-making atmosphere in the room. It was also refreshing to see men banging the drum for increased participation.
There was an amazing, positive buzz in the room. It feels like we can make something happen and keep moving the conversation forward. Some companies already embrace change, but there’s still more to do. At the same time, it feels as if businesses are making a genuine effort to get more women involved in leadership roles rather than just treating it as a tick-box exercise.
Who was at the launch?
There were far too many of us to list here, but I want to mention some of the amazing women who have brought Women on Boards to life. I met the founders, Payal Walker and Sandra Wiggins, through networking and am so impressed with what they’ve created here. Poonam Sharma from Barclays Eagle Labs UK is also a key support partner.
A few of us, including the lovely Ann Davies, stayed for some post-launch drinks before getting the train back to the East Midlands, which led to some lovely chit-chat on the way home!
I’m now signed up to one of their key steering group committees so watch this space. I can’t wait to share what we’ll achieve over the coming months and years.
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