INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY GOES OFF WITH A BANG... FOR FEMALE DIVERSITY AND EMPOWERMENT

On the 7th March 2020, we joined Bristol's City Hall in a celebration with thousands of women from across our city with Bristol Women's Voice. The day features more than 50 free events. From workshops on happiness, health, work and climate change, to self-defence classes, panel discussions and art installations brought by many inspiring organisations (including us). 

Panel discussion: How to navigate the opportunities
​and challenges facing women in business.

Our panelists. 
Joyann Boyce - Social Media Consultant and founder of The Social Detail.
Claire Freshwater-Turner - Senior Manager at Lloyds Bank, working in Cost Management through job sharing.
Cecile Gillard - Charity Lawyer at Burton Sweet, Trainer and Author.
Annabelle Richards - Senior Manager at Lloyds Bank, working in Cost Management through job sharing.
Emilie Harryman - Digital Project Manager at The Cookie HQ.

How do you measure a career?
Joyann:  "Success ranges... from the happy client aspect, but personally, am I able to live the life I want? Do I have control?"
Emilie: "To work with employers that have the culture that fits you in parenthood."
Cecille: "Supporting organisations that make a positive difference, am I contributing?"
Annabelle: "I've always been in a career path where success is measured by a rating. But now, thankfully, I'm working in a culture of encouraging people to try something new, and those achievements are measured."
Clare: "Being completely committed to the mission we've got."

What specific challenges do you feel Women in Business face?
Clare:   "​Unconscious bias of people coming back into work after having children, you need to not let that define you and tell them what YOU want."
Annabelle: "An internal barrier of what's stopping you to go for something, you can do more!"
Joyann:  "My best motto, 'Think like a white man', and you can do anything. Some may of heard of the term 'imposter syndrome', the feeling of being somewhere and knowing no one here looks like me. Don't let that feeling overrun you. Use your privileges and use your platform."
Cecile: "Believing in yourself no matter what. Always believe there is another way if one hasn't worked out and apply the positive. There's NO such thing as a wasted experience or conversation."
Emilie: "Imposter syndrome after having children and coming back into the workplace can be a real barrier in getting back on track with your career. But if you find yourself in a situation where you're uncomfortable, you're really growing."