As we celebrated the many accomplishments of women across Northern Ireland on 8th March, FSB is calling on the Assembly to focus on tackling the main obstacles that women face in the workplace.
It is still a shocking fact that commitments to family and home life are the most common reason for women in Northern Ireland not entering the workforce. Just under a third of working age women here are economically inactive, compared to just under a quarter of men, according to the most recent Labour Force Survey.
As such, FSB wants to see priority being given to the development of a sustainably funded Childcare Strategy for Northern Ireland. It is essential that this strategy is viewed as an economic issue so that women can choose whether to enter or stay in employment, to train, or to start a business.
Commenting, Tina McKenzie, FSB’s UK Chair of Policy and Advocacy, said:
“It is right and just that we applaud and celebrate the success of women across Northern Ireland and around the globe; but today is also about campaigning for change and making that change happen.”
“Given the highly disproportionate impact that a lack of effective investment in childcare has on women, it is essential that a proper, funded Childcare Strategy is brought forward. Childcare for families needs to be accessible and affordable. The wider economic benefits of getting more women into the workplace cannot be overestimated.”
“We also need to encourage more women to become entrepreneurs and be successful at it. While there are no quick fixes to improving Northern Ireland’s low business start-up rate, the creation of a robust Entrepreneurship Strategy, underpinned by affordable childcare, with specific targets in place to inspire women to take the leap would be an essential first move.”
In support of this year’s Break the Bias campaign theme, FSB will today host a national panel of inspirational business leaders who will discuss the barriers and challenges facing women entrepreneurs. FSB members across Northern Ireland have also been sharing their tips on how bias can be broken in the business arena.
Nuala Murphy, Head of Business at Diversity Mark NI who has been hailed as a next generation female business leader, believes there are three key ways to dismantle prejudice.
“On a personal level, we should test ourselves for hidden bias. Companies need to initiate conversations with staff members about making the workplace more inclusive. Thirdly, education and awareness training are essential.”
Having been an impassioned advocate for women’s equality for many years, she added that diversity in numbers isn’t enough.
“Companies also need to create a culture that fully leverages the benefits of diversity—one in which women, and all employees, feel comfortable bringing their unique ideas, perspectives, and experiences to the table.”