You are here:  Home  News  News Article

Friday 10th February 2012

SEARCH NEWS ARTICLES

View All News
Open the calendar
Open the calendar

News Article

News Archive

International Women's Day: Role models and women's issues

09/03/2010 International Women's Day: Role models and women's...Yesterday (March 8th) marked International Women's Day, a celebration of the fairer sex and also a political stand for women to fight against inequality.

Some had marked the occasion with a celebratory nod to women role models of the 20th century. Writing for the Mirror, Sarah Brown, wife of the prime minister, noted her most influential role models of modern history.

Ms Brown marked out women who have strived to protect others, celebrating the life of Graca Machel, Nelson Mandela's third wife and a champion of women's and children's rights across Africa.

Women who climbed their way to the top of the professional career ladder were also recognised. Dr Margaret Chan is head of the World Health Organisation, described as a "powerhouse who cuts through international red tape and gets things done", according to Ms Brown.

Fittingly, the Academy Awards honoured their first female director yesterday as Kathryn Bigelow won an Oscar for her film the Hurt Locker.

Ms Bigelow said in her acceptance speech: "I'm ever grateful if I can inspire some young, intrepid, tenacious male or female filmmaker and have him or her feel that the impossible is possible."

But this day also marks an opportunity for campaigners and organisations to highlight how there is still much to do for women.

Yesterday the Government Equalities Office released research showing that there are not enough women in senior positions within business and a study by womenintechnology showed that women in IT's biggest wish was for equal pay and equal treatment in the workforce.

The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Corporate Gender Gap report was also released, showing that there is a significant gender-gap in corporate industries.

The US was found to have the highest number of female employees at 52 per cent, while India was at the lowest with 23 per cent.

In response to the findings, the WEF has urged companies to look to recruit more women in technology and other industries.

Saadia Zahidi, co-author of the report said: "The findings of The Corporate Gender Gap Report are an alarm bell that the corporate world is not doing enough to achieve gender equality".

Many respondents said that a lack of women role models led them to be unable to climb the career ladder.

There may be a lack of role models in business sectors, but as Ms Brown has shown, there are women role models in many walks of life that can inspire any young female to achieve her goal.


womenintechnology has a dedicated careers advice service for women, graduates and experienced professional looking for technology and IT jobs.

Delicious
Submit

Latest Jobs

  • Business/Technical Analyst

    The Technology, Distribution & Archive Division delivers the technology and services that enable the BBC to fulfil its strategic and business goals... More

  • Scrum Master

    Scrum Master Osterley, West London   Here at Sky, technology is the key to driving forward a £4bn business, keeping our nine million customers happy and delivering groundbreaking innovations including Sky... More

  • Head of UX&D

    As a Head of User Experience and Design you will join the Senior Leadership team of BBC UX&D. The current portfolio for this open role is CBeebies, CBBC and Knowledge and Learning... More

  • Customer Services Manager - IT Soft...

    Customer Services Manager - IT Software Provider - Brentford - Perm - £30k I am looking for a customer service manager on behalf of one of my clients... More

  • Telesales representative / IT Servi...

    Our client a leading IT Services provider and SAP partner are looking for a telesales professional with experience in uncovering business software opportunities including ERP, CRM or warehouse management... More