To mark International Women’s Day a number of companies have launched initiatives and campaigns this morning.
We’ll update this page as more campaigns come in today.
Female entrepreneurs
YFM Equity Partners has released data from its inaugural Entrepreneur Economy report, showing that twice as many female entrepreneurs (54%) than men (28%) are struggling to grow their businesses. This is despite the fact that women generate £122 billion in annual revenue towards the Entrepreneur Economy.
The findings also show that more than half (53%) of female entrepreneurs in the UK find the process of setting up a business challenging, compared to 39% of men. YFM Equity Partners’ research suggests that barriers to finance could be playing a role in this disparity – 86% of women said they had trouble accessing finance to help grow their business, compared to 76% of men. Meanwhile, 17% of female respondents said that access to finance was one of their primary concerns for growing their business in the next five years.
“While progress is being made in improving equality in businesses across the country, there are still significant factors causing female entrepreneurs to miss out on growth opportunities, whether this is a lack of networks, finding the right investors, or unconscious bias,” said Laura Sisson, Investment Manager, YFM Equity Partners.
“While an uncomfortable truth, unconscious bias is largely driven by the fact that there is a current lack of diversity within the investment industry and there is less appetite to consider investment opportunities that don’t resemble previous success stories. To deliver change, allyship will be essential and male investors must actively reflect on ways which they and their funds can support female founders, and foster an open and collaborative environment where female founders are comfortable promoting their ventures.”
Women in Film
The women of Dead Pixel in Manchester have joined forces to try and encourage more females to get into the production industry.
It comes as research shows that just 24% of videographers and 27% of editors are female.
Data science
In Sheffield, Jaywing says it’s also taking proactive steps to inspire and empower women in data science roles.
“We recognise the significance of inclusive hiring, especially in addressing the gender gap within our industry,” explained Karen Snape, Data Science Director at Jaywing.
“When recruiting for data science roles, we prioritise transparent job adverts that highlight flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies to attract a diverse range of candidates.”
Dr Catherine Kelly, Managing Director at Jaywing added:
“Mentorship programs tailored to women and promoting gender diversity in leadership positions are essential for creating an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered to succeed.
“As a woman in a leadership role, I am committed to mentoring and supporting women in their career development. Providing guidance and insights from my own experiences can make a significant difference in empowering women to thrive in STEM roles.”
From Sheffield
Alight Media has commissioned artist Martin Firrell to create ‘Brought to Light’ – an annual series of public art across digital billboards and 6 sheets, highlighting lesser-known stories of social value. The first artworks under the ‘Brought to Light’ banner highlight the achievements of Britain’s first astronaut, Helen Sharman who’s from Sheffield.
“These public artworks are not so much about me, but about how there is a place for everyone in science and exploration,” she said.
Matthew Dearden, CEO, Alight Media:
“Our company has been built on the foundations of inclusivity and positive connections. We commissioned ‘Brought to Light’ to connect people across the UK with socially important stories – in this instance, with the story of a pioneering young woman from Sheffield who went, literally, out of this world.”
The artwork will appear from 6-29 March 2024, coinciding with International Women’s Day on 8 March.
Publishing
Scottish newspaper, The National has published a special edition made by and all-women team.
While The National already has more women working on staff and regularly contributing than men, working with women only on this edition has put a spotlight on the kind of work often going unpitched in male-dominated newsrooms everywhere,’ explained Editor, Laura Webster.
I’m excited for people to see what we have been working on. Remember, it’s the first time since Lesley Riddoch’s Scotswoman of 1995 that a Scottish daily paper has been written, produced, and subbed by an all-woman team, from front-page to back (including sports). Something like this hasn’t been done in my lifetime, and there has never been a pro-independence version.”
This International Women's Day, we're asking you the question: "What advice would you give to your younger self?" ❤️ #Emmerdale #InternationalWomensDay @ITV @ITVX @WeAreSTV pic.twitter.com/f7pw6FH2zV
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) March 8, 2024
This International Women's Day, it's our absolute pleasure to introduce you to some of the fantastic women we have working here at HOST Salford and to celebrate all women working in technology. 🙌
— Home of Skills & Technology (@HOSTSalford) March 8, 2024
Happy International Women's Day! 🎉 #iwd2024 @SalfordCouncil pic.twitter.com/JuvsGxZTmN
