International Women’s Day
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Author: Paula Beck, HR Business Partner for PACT HR Published: 8th March 2022 As I put pen to paper, I’m thinking about my own personal experiences. About how I was brought up as a strong woman believing I could achieve anything – that gender bias was already consigned to the history books. Unfortunately, this is a common belief still held by both women and men. I was born under the leadership of the UK’s first female Prime Minister, the Equal Pay Act had already been passed and I lived through the colourful 90s era of Girl Power. I was brought up to believe this was an equal world. But women in politics and senior positions in business are still underrepresented. It’s been over 40 years since the Equal Pay Act and equal pay has still not materialised. It’s been 10-years since the Davies Review into women on FTSE350 boards yet the majority of Chair, CEO, and CFO positions are held by men. Progress is being made in both these areas, but it’s far from an equal world. The average female earns 40% less than her male counterpart and most of the key boardroom roles are still held by men. In schools, the teaching profession is overwhelmingly female, and yet male teachers are almost twice as likely to hold leadership positions as their female colleagues. Perhaps there is a role for education to play in changing the future. Education is one of the most female-dominated professions, yet we continue to produce leaders of tomorrow that are invariably male. What can we do as a sector to empower the women of tomorrow? There is a long way to go, but it’s important we acknowledge how far we’ve come. The achievements of women continue to grow, and the power of the female voice is increasing. A future of Girl Power is getting closer. In our celebration of women’s achievements, we asked some phenomenal women about their achievements and what they plan to do about #BreakingtheBias. This is what they had to say: “I am fortunate to have had so many, many positive experiences in the education sector during my childhood, and during my career. I have been supported at critical times by ‘unofficial mentors’ who knew about the glass ceilings, even when I did not. They provided guidance and advice. This includes so very many teachers (and the headteacher) when I was at high school. I remember the headteacher telling me, ‘Juliet, the world is your oyster’. I did not know exactly what he meant, but I had the feeling that it was something good. ‘Breakingthebias’ started for me at a very early stage, and has continued throughout. It has empowered me to not believe the stereotypes about any group, or to be held back by negativity. It was easier to have this belief as this was what was modelled to me. My achievements are the results of being supported by positive, forward thinking and fearless people. ‘Breakingthebias’ is as much about collective belief and support, as much as it about individual self-belief. It makes the journey so much easier, despite the challenges, of which there are many!” Juliet Wright OBE, Headteacher, Bankfoot Primary School “If we are to inspire the girls in our school communities to be leaders of the future, it is imperative that we become role models for them. Leadership skills require empathy, care, love, commitment and an ability to take everyone on the journey; attributes I believe women have in spades! We are proud of our current women leaders at Brontë and will continue to champion equality of opportunity for all.” Gill Holland, CEO, Bronte Academy Trust “Growing up, I was extremely fortunate to have a family who actively encouraged and supported me. They instilled in me the importance of effort, resilience and motivation. Their aim for me, was to be the best that I could be, with a smile on my face. When I was born, I was eighteen days early. I couldn't wait to get out! The word, “enthusiastic,” has been on every single school report! All these qualities have been key drivers as I progressed through school, university and my teaching career. Life brings with it different challenges, but here I am. I have been Headteacher of a one form entry Primary school since 2011 alongside bringing up 3 children, in the main as a single parent. I must admit, I don’t often consider my professional status. I am simply Sarah – doing a job - doing my best! I see my personal and professional journey as steppingstones which have brought me to where I am now. Throughout my teaching career I have actively sought out and embraced opportunities. So many people have invested in me along the way, and now, I value and prioritise investment in others. This is one of the brilliant things about working within the education system, you can develop yourself and others. I want the children and all the people with whom I work to believe in themselves. I want them to know they can contribute towards our society by breaking down the barriers of the norm. #BreakingtheBias.” Sarah Huby, Headteacher, Myrtle Park Primary School “I feel extremely fortunate to have been supported by my family who encouraged me to follow my ambitions whilst having a young family to raise. I also feel blessed that experiences in all my roles within the education sector have been positive and supportive which has helped me to further my career and end up in a job that I would have never believed possible until I was surrounded by amazing, professional, female leaders who have become mentors and personal critics.” Deborah Howarth, CFO, Bronte Academy Trust “I began my journey into Senior Leadership when I was 26, I have always been taught from being a little girl, that if you want something, you work hard and you dig deep and show grit when the climb gets tough and you go get what you want through relentless hard work. Talent isn't determined by gender. It might take a year, it might take a day but talent will always find a way.” Nicola Bennett, Headteacher, Crossflatts Primary School As an employer what can you do?
How can PACT HR help you?At PACT HR we provide straight forward practical advice. Providing strategic support or day-to-day advice with HR queries regarding managing absence, managing work force change, TUPE, conduct, performance to more complex case work such as discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation. We are available when you need us and our subscriptions do not have limits on the amount of time we spend with you or how often you contact us – when you need us we are there! In addition, we also have a portfolio of services that meets your needs. These include HR consultancy, training, recruitment advertising, and online DBS checking. For more info on how we can best support you, please contact the PACT HR helpdesk on 01274 436644 or email us at info@pact-hr.co.uk or more details. Last Updated: 8th March 2022 |
