Gender inequality is a real and pressing issue that our world faces today. Bridging the gender gap at workplaces and creating opportunities for women to not just join the workforce, but to retain and propel them into leadership roles is a necessity that companies corporates are waking up to. It is one of the best times for women to prosper in their career and make a name for themselves. The increased awareness and an impetus on companies to bridge the gender gap, accompanied by supporting forums, women role models and mentors is bound to give the much-needed shot in the arm for the careers of aspiring women.
McKinsey Global Institute’s Sept 2015 report claims that women contributing “full-potential” by bridging the gender gap will add $12 trillion to the annual GDP in 2025.
Events play a great role in advocating, spreading the reach and awareness of the campaigns to encourage women, share best practices and to influence policy makers. The Event Industry itself, however, struggles to see more women in leadership roles. Recruiting a skilled woman does not seem to be an issue here. However, the same attributes that make event management appealing are what make it hard for maintaining the right balance between personal and professional lives. Family friendly work hours, creative yet highly demanding (in terms of travel, with limited remote working options) work environments are likely to impair the career progress of women beyond a certain stage.
As part of MPI EMEC 2015, Warsaw, in Feb 2015, a short survey sums this up quite well.The results included the following insights:
Our own analysis of how women are represented in events as attendees or as speakers paints an even more dismal picture. Our analysis of data from technical and business conferences, corporate events, exhibitions powered by Carrot, shows that women constitute less than 10% of attendees, and less than 8% of the speakers are women.
We believe that affirmative action to actively encourage women to attend and speak at events is the need of the hour. As women, we ourselves also need to understand the importance of networking, and aspire for leadership roles. An overall policy change in providing better, safe and dependable child care options and maternity policies will go a long way in opening up a world of opportunities for women.
Here is a Tribute to all the #WomenInEvents!
We have, in our journey with Carrot, come across many creative, competent, amazing women – entrepreneurs, event managers, leaders who are fantastic at what they do. Events are indeed a better place because of you women. We wish you all a very happy women’s day. Keep rocking, rockstar #WomenInEvents.
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