INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2022 #BREAKINGTHEBIAS

This international women’s day has revolved around the theme of breaking the bias.

In a world where:

• women earn 7.9% less than men
• only 8 CEOs in the FTSE100 companies are women and none are of colour
• women are outnumbered 2:1 in the 5,166 positions of power in society

it is time to #BreakTheBias.

To celebrate the day, together with Digital Isle of Man and Finance Isle of Man, we have spoken to some influential people in our industries to find out their experiences, and what more can be done.

Caroline, from Sandpiper CI, believes there has been a “huge change in the last 5 years in women in senior retail” and that to continue breaking the bias in retail, women need to “commit to their opinions, not give up on their beliefs, and stay positive”.

Kirree, from Business Isle of Man, says there is still work to be done in the STEM industry, and that it starts by “taking it back to primary schools and enabling girls to understand that they can have a fulfilling [STEM] career” and that by supporting women or those returning to work after a career break, companies will have a “more diverse workforce [which is] key to breaking the bias."

Generally, things are changing and despite the continual need for change, there are positives to be celebrated.

We are now in a world where:

• the percentage of women in FTSE boards has tripled over the last decade from 12.5% to 39%
• women led SMEs contribute £85bn to economic output

We will be celebrating International Women’s Day for a week and encourage all businesses to do the same. #BreakTheBias