As Managing Director and founder of Bramwith, I am proud to be part of a talented, collaborative and inspirational network of women in the procurement and supply chain sector and beyond. Years fly by with increasingly breakneck speed so I’m always delighted to pause for a moment to celebrate International Women’s Day and reflect on the evolving landscape of women in leadership roles.
In my twenty or so years in the recruitment business, I’ve witnessed a remarkable shift in perceptions surrounding women in senior positions across all sectors. Gone are the days when leadership was predominantly associated with masculinity. Today, there’s a growing recognition of the unique perspectives, skills and contributions that women bring to the table.
Expectations and perceptions around gender roles in the workplace are being challenged. Equality campaigns are making headlines, social media movements are gaining momentum and equality activists are becoming household names. These are wonderful developments but it is important to also pay tribute to the women who make a more ‘unseen’ contribution. The fabulous leaders and colleagues who advocate for other women, commit to mentorships and pursue their personal and professional goals fearlessly. Making their mark in the world in their own way, defying stereotypes and paving the way for future generations
Companies are increasingly realising the benefits of a gender-balanced workforce, including more balanced decision-making, enhanced innovation and better financial performance. As a result, more opportunities are opening up for women to ascend to leadership – but significant barriers persist. In the UK, unfair government policies continue to create hurdles for women, from the gender pay gap (14.3% in 2023) to inadequate parental leave policies. As we all know, the burden of childcare falls disproportionately on women, often forcing them to juggle the demands of work and family responsibilities.
Additionally, the challenge of returning to work after taking time off for caregiving can be daunting for many women. The fear of career stagnation or discrimination can deter them from reentering the workforce, perpetuating the cycle of gender inequality. Prejudice from employers and colleagues further compounds the obstacles faced by women in leadership. Despite their qualifications and capabilities, women may encounter bias and scepticism in male-dominated industries or corporate environments.
We’ve written about supporting women in the workplace prior, during and after menopause in our blog. You may have seen some rare good news in the press on the 22nd of February this year about employers having to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for women going through menopause. Under the Equality Act 2010, an employer will now be under a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments and not discriminate against workers experiencing perimenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal symptoms. This is a great start but even established legislation has to be supported by robust day-to-day measures in the workplace.
Gender equality – some tips for employers
It goes without saying that issues around equality are complex and multifaceted. But, every employee and every business owner has the power to influence how women are perceived and supported in the workplace. There are some fantastic organisations out there including Pregnant Then Screwed and The Fawcett Society which offer a wealth of free resources to businesses and individuals. You can also try introducing the following guidance and activities into your business strategy.
Implement policies supporting work-life balance: Offer flexible working arrangements, parental leave and childcare support to alleviate the burden on working mothers and create an inclusive environment for all employees. Find out more on the Fawcett Society workplace resources.
Provide mentorship and sponsorship opportunities: Pair aspiring female leaders with mentors and sponsors who can offer guidance, support and advocacy to help them advance in their careers and develop their own leadership style.
Foster inclusive workplace cultures: Promoting equality in the workplace is all about building a positive culture. Promote diversity training, raise awareness of unconscious bias and create opportunities for open dialogue to foster a culture of respect and inclusion.
Advice for women seeking leadership roles
Invest in your development: Continuously seek opportunities for learning and growth, whether through formal education, training programs or networking events.
Build your support network: Surround yourself with mentors, sponsors and peers who can offer guidance, support and encouragement as you navigate your career path. Attend events and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to peers. Your community is out there just waiting to meet you.
Advocate for yourself: Don’t be afraid to speak up, assert your worth and negotiate for the opportunities and resources you deserve. As the saying goes, if you don’t ask you don’t get. Believe in your abilities.
Support other women: Another inspirational change I have seen in workplace culture (and society more generally) is women supporting one another and encouraging others to do the same. Historically there has been an unfortunate trend of pitting women against one another which erodes trust and diminishes our value as a community. We are better than that. Let’s push this change in attitudes and way of working forward and become even more supportive, nurturing and celebratory of one another.
Promoting and embracing women in leadership is not only a matter of fairness and equality. It enriches businesses and their workforces. By breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes and championing diversity, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
As we continue to navigate this sometimes challenging journey, it’s crucial for employers to actively support women’s advancement, for women to seize opportunities for growth and leadership, and to support one another in the process. Let’s work together to build a brighter future where every talented individual has the opportunity to fulfil their potential, get her or his unique voice heard and contribute to our collective success.
At Bramwith, we are proud to promote a positive, inclusive and equal workplace culture and to work with global businesses that share these values. If you are looking to recruit the best procurement and supply chain candidates or are seeking your next exciting role, contact us today. We would love to help.