THE first of our Women Mean Business event of 2016 brought together speakers from the finance and energy sectors to talk about gender diversity to around 60 delegates.
I was delighted to be chairing an event which looked at this topic.
The Partnership for Change initiative was established by the Scottish Government. Business leaders recently joined First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, to encourage companies, third sector organisations and public sector bodies across the country to make a commitment that by 2020, 50% of their board members will be women.
This year, the Chamber’s board has achieved this "target" and companies such as Virgin Money, Investment Company Alliance Trust and communications agency Gate Interactive have now committed to the First Minister’s pledge to work towards equal gender balance on their boards by 2020.
The eventual aim is to remove barriers and promote gender equality in the workplace.
Sixteen private companies, 44 third sector organisations and 77 public bodies in Scotland have signed up to the Partnership for Change.
Women currently make up 38% of regulated public bodies boards and are less likely to enter senior management positions and the latest figures show that men are also paid on average 9% more than women for doing the same job.
Susan Rowand, HSBC, looked at the current position of gender parity in top 100 FTSE companies investigating why there is a gender gap and what can be done to address it.
She highlighted her strong belief that women can help themselves though mentoring, internal networking and seeking out feedback.
Katrine Sharp from Technip examined gender diversity in the oil and gas industry and why it is important in today’s business environment.
As the sector works to achieve a more diverse and inclusive culture, Technip aims to lead the way in “gender intelligence”, as the only company within the energy sector to hold EDGE certification, the global standard for gender equality in the workplace.
Overall there was a feeling that equality for women isn’t a women’s issue.
When women fulfil their potential, doesn’t everyone benefit?
Equality means better politics, a more vivacious economy and most importantly, a workforce that draws on the talents of the whole population.
There were several questions around whether targets or quotas should be set for gender equality and the lack of confidence in women going for senior positions.
The questions continued at each table throughout lunch and although the mood was serious, it certainly wasn’t sombre.
But what action should the Chamber take on this issue?
Well, firstly we’re running a Power of Diversity conference on October 5 to address not only gender equality but many other types as well.
But how do we keep this topic higher on the business agenda?
Answers on a postcard …. or you could get in touch with our policy team and see what action could be taken.