Rachel Lyne
Suzanne James
From unequal pay to representation at higher levels of the industry, it is harder for women to succeed in industries that are dominated by men. Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential for innovation and progress. Although positive shifts have occurred in recent years, as an industry, we must pave the way for the future generation and address all the challenges facing women. Rachel Lyne, partner in Browne Jacobson’s regulatory team, and Suzanne James, people director at Fairfax Meadow, explain more.
In today’s world, women are breaking barriers in male-dominated industries. However, despite the progress made towards gender equality, women still face significant challenges.
The challenges
Women across all industries are speaking out about their challenges, which is having a great impact as diversity and inclusion programmes are being implemented directly to address these issues. However, there are still numerous challenges that women still face, these are just a few:
What are companies doing to encourage women into male-dominated industries?
In recent years, companies have taken steps to encourage women to enter male-dominated industries. These steps include:
Driving change in any industry can only be done through a diverse and equitable workforce that is prepared to support initiatives and provide a well-rounded and supportive workplace that champions the growth of women and offers them an opportunity to thrive. While some employers are making these changes (Nestlé UK & Ireland, Suntory Beverage & Food and Fairfax Meadow), a call for action across the entire sector is needed.
Empowerment
To ensure women feel empowered and have senior figures who understand them, we need further female representation in senior managerial positions. Women need to see leaders they can relate to so they recognise that they do not have to compromise their careers once they become mothers and understand that they can challenge the status quo of a male-dominated workforce. If women cannot see female leaders, this will have a direct negative impact on their motivation and career aspirations, and we will be sending out a message to the younger generation that women cannot succeed in senior roles – when they can.
Suzanne James, people director at Fairfax Meadow and member of Meat Business Women (MBW), highlights that professional communities are empowering women to grow and develop through various initiatives, focusing on encouraging women to have role models and mentors across the sector. In particular, Suzanne notes that MBW is tacking the broken career ladder and ensuring the focus is throughout the entire duration of a woman’s career and not solely at the lower or higher ends. There is more the industry can do, and we need to challenge the data to encourage more than the targeted number of women to gain senior leadership roles.
The industry needs to extend its reach to all women – those with disabilities and women from ethnic minorities – it needs to work with women from the very beginning of their careers right to the top. The industry needs to create a working environment that is truly inclusive for all women.
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