Building an Equal Future
We marked #IWD2020 with Shape Leadership UK at City Hall London to discuss building an equal future in construction with a group of women from across the industry. The room was abuzz with positivity, solidarity & enthusiasm.
We’d like to thank all the women who attended and added their voices & experiences, including;
Jennette Arnold OBE, for hosting us at City Hall and opening the event. Jennette set the tone speaking about the battles for equality in the past and how important it is for women to continue to strive towards equality and not settle for anything less.
Big thanks also to Kate Chester and Maria Marlow of Shape Leadership our facilitators for the day who delivered this wonderful empowering workshop.
We’d also like to thank our inspirational speakers;
Faye Jenkins – National Social Impact Manager – Bam Nuttall, who spoke of the power of networks to give women strength and resilience: “Build your tribe and grow your army”.
Cristina Lanz Azcarate, Chair for the London and South East region of the National Association of Women in Construction who made the important point that the first rule of leadership is respect. She also spoke of the need to promote ourselves, speak out about what we are good at and gain recognition for our worth. Also highlighting that the battles we fight are not just for ourselves but for the women around us and those coming after us.
Marcia Williams – Head of Development and Inclusivity at Tideway, spoke of how different her current role is from her original training as a lawyer and that the secret to success is finding your ‘sweet spot’ – what motivates and inspires you. Also that all your past experience makes you who you are and this difference of experience is important and brings something unique to an employer.
Clare Smithson – Group Head of HR – Hill, spoke of the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. That women in particular feel they need to be perfect in their role and she encouraged everyone to be bold and take risks. She closed the session with the wonderful poem by Jenny Joseph – “When I am old I will wear purple“.
It was a very successful event with so many women leaving feeling empowered to change their lives and build their careers in the best way possible. A fitting way to mark International Women’s Day!
