Page 6 - BPW-UK-E-news-Edition 112 - May 2023

Notes on BPW International Webinar
The Future of Work for Women in the 21st Century
th
19 April, 2023

It was a special treat to be able to join this Webinar hosted by
Francesca Burack, Chair, Team SC Development, Training, Employ-
ment. I had the privilege of meeting Francesca a couple of times at the
North American/Caribbean Regional meetings in both Las Vegas and
also just this January in St Kitts/Nevis. A real dynamo of a woman, not
afraid to make her opinions known but also who is kindness itself and
keen to share her vast knowledge of all things BPW. The speakers
were very well informed and again, happy to impart their views and knowledge on
the various topics covered:

Ana Duarte McCarty spoke on historical perception of women, in particular
representation of women in the workplace. She mentioned also that in early Olym-
pics it was deemed that women should not compete in some of the sections, such
as ski-jumping as it could affect their reproductive organs and made them infertile!
This, despite the fact that women had been competing in other events without any
issues.
Apparently in 2022 the proportion of women in Senior Management Roles
grew by 32% - the highest number ever recorded. Other statistics showed that
54% of Undergraduate Degrees are held by women. Encouraging to hear of these
gains, but still a long way to go. Although there are approximately 1billion women
due to enter the workforce, support and encouragement is still needed from gov-
ernment and corporations need to step in with smarter policies that remove con-
straints. This varies by region. For instance 40% of Board seats occupied by women
in France, due to mandated gender quotas. 132 years to address the global gender
gap. However, there is room for encouragement. Women are entering the STEM
world – more education. Many companies pulling back on hiring around the tech
industries. E.g. reports show hiring growth is much reduced especially in tech.
Upskilling is taking place – changing roles/skill sets/re-training.

Shyama Venkateswar spoke on workplace trends. Discussed what has to
be done to ensure inclusion, diversity etc. She looked at trends in the past seven
years. Different goals these days – talent pool leaving in droves, hiring increase
leading to the ‘great regret’. Increasing level of younger employees in particular
disengaged – companies not in sync with them. Quiet quitting. In the past nine
months a greater amount of lay-offs particularly in tech.

Employees want to feel valued and heard. Gen Y and Z are keen on values
and want flexibility in workplaces. 95% Corporate leaders said they were committed
– however, a third of those said they were feeling forced to do so and 80% said
attention here is blown out of proportion ENI – some sceptism. When employees
were surveyed, they felt nothing had changed, particularly with under-represented
groups. Her company suggested that driving inclusion needs to be more encour-
aged. Open, frank discussions need to be made, need to feel safe, need to feel that
suggestions be encouraged. Managers and leaders have to nurture talent intention-
ally. Managers need to encourage, admit their own mistakes and drive inclusive cul-
ture. …/...