#SheBelongs not in spite of her different perspective, background, or skills, but because of them.
Earlier this year, the Word Economic Forum (WEF) released its gender report. According to the findings, none of us will see gender parity in our lifetimes, and nor likely will many of our children as it will not be attained for 99.5 years. This made me pause and reflect. Here we are at the start of a new decade, recognizing International Women’s Day and the need to take action to promote gender equality to drive parity in turn, has never been greater.
Of course, there has been progress. More and more young women live an independent life, secure a place in higher education, and have outstanding careers. But this year’s theme of the EY campaign around International Women’s Day, #SheBelongs, got me thinking about what further steps we need to take to move the gender debate beyond a box ticking exercise and a numbers game.
If I look back to the years that shaped my future, leaving home at 16, being the first of my family to go to university (to study buildings nonetheless) meant I didn’t tick any box. But, strong pioneering women like Helen Clarke, the New Zealand politician and later Prime Minister, were paving the way at the time and I was in the cusp of the wave that shifted perceptions around gender. That movement toward change shaped my perspective, my outlook of the world and the skills I bring to the table today.
In the early days of my career, however, I often thought twice or sometimes never spoke up in meetings or voiced my opinions. Ultimately, I realized I was doubting the value I could bring to the conversations taking place and was ignoring the very reason why EY had hired me in the first place.
This is a common theme among many women and men in the workplace. It takes time to build the confidence to no longer suppress your individual skills and true self and to realize that these are in fact your unique advantage points; the value that you bring.
We all belong around the table, not in spite of our different perspective, background, or skills, but because of them. We need to foster a workplace setting where individuals don’t think they have been invited to the table because people think they should, but rather because they have earned their place because of what they bring. A business world where they belong.
As a business leader myself, I firmly believe that the primary responsibility to achieve this, to set the tone and create environments where those of all backgrounds are positioned to succeed, lies with leadership.
I am proud that at EY we value all types of diversity and the different perspectives that come with it. In my time here, I have seen women break the ceiling, promoted to leadership positions and being accepted for who they are.
So, what am I doing to support the younger generation of women coming through the ranks? Well in TAS, I am a proud supporter of our annual Corporate Finance Woman Of the Year competition, which looks to identify the next group of talented young women who are considering a career in transactions. Since the competition began three years ago, we have seen a steady increase in the number of entry-level female applicants from varied backgrounds.
But, perhaps more importantly, I am privileged to be able to work with, encourage and foster talent across our business from all backgrounds and witness first-hand the true value and benefit their individual skills and perspectives bring to our clients and to EY.
While there is still room to achieve a lot more, both within our industry and in the business world, I am hopeful for what the future holds. My challenge to all of us, as we look to the future, is simple: What can we do to make sure that everyone around the table is celebrated, recognized and valued for the unique perspectives they bring?
Through Women. Fast forward, we are proud to celebrate International Women’s Day by promoting the advancement of women in the workforce. Together, let’s make sure she is the answer. Let’s make sure #SheBelongs. Discover more: ey.com/womenfastforward