This International Women's Day, we interviewed some of our team asking them to share their thoughts on how we can #BreakTheBias.
We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.
#BreakTheBias with Viveca Riley, consultant at Eames Consulting in the UK.
1. Which bias would you like to break about women at work in 2022?
I would like to break the bias that women are unable to get as far in their career as men due to external factors. I think there is an outdated view that women can’t be as successful due to personal reasons, kids, etc. when really those factors are just as likely to affect men.
2. Within your market / industry sector, what progress have you seen businesses take to progress gender equality?
Working in the actuarial market, which is a very male-dominated industry, it’s great to see how many women are making strides in the market, becoming chief actuaries, and making progress in the overall insurance industry. This definitely starts from encouraging girls at an early age to pursue degrees in STEM when they are in school or university, as it is still relatively new that women have been included in these fields.
3. Do you think that more companies adopting a hybrid working pattern has helped to shift pre-conceived conceptions about flexible working for women and why?
I think the past 2 years throughout the pandemic have shifted the workforce positively towards a more adaptable work/life balance for women. I often see posts from women on LinkedIn about how it is easier now to handle emergencies or any unforeseen events without it disrupting their workday.
4. What advice would you give aspiring women in the industry you work in?
Women are just as capable of breaking barriers in the workforce, despite preconceived notions that many industries are still a “Boys Club.” The only way for these notions to change are for women to put themselves in environments where they are a minority and be successful.
5. International Women’s Day is also about celebrating women and their achievements, who inspires you?
Sara Blakely, the Founder of Spanx, inspires me due to the amount of success she has had in what was, at the time of conception, a very niche market. Not only is her business successful, but she is also a huge advocate for women in the workforce and healthy, balanced working environments. She used her platform from Spanx to launch a global foundation empowering women in entrepreneurship and education.