Empowering Women of Colour through Dialogue and Support
During Inclusion Week 2021, we hosted an in-person event titled Women Leading the Way. This event was designed to engage women of colour in critical conversations about the inequalities they face in securing paid employment, navigating pay scales, and overcoming barriers to career progression. We were honoured to have 13 female leaders from the VCSE and statutory sectors who shared their personal experiences of racism and sexism, which had impeded their professional career goals.
We were privileged to welcome Dr Halima Begum, Chief Executive Officer at Runnymede Trust, as our keynote speaker. Her insights and experiences added significant value to the event, inspiring attendees and highlighting the importance of continued advocacy and support.
Launching a Network for Ongoing Support
Following the success of the event and the demand from attendees for a safe platform to share their experiences, REN launched the Women Leading the Way Network on International Women’s Day 2022. This network aims to provide mentoring and support to women from all backgrounds and ethnicities, empowering them to develop resilience and overcome challenges that create barriers to employment and career progression.
Objectives of the Network:
- Mentoring and Support: Offering guidance and encouragement to help women navigate professional challenges and build successful careers.
- Building Resilience: Providing resources and strategies to help women develop resilience and confidence in the face of adversity.
- Career Progression: Creating pathways and opportunities for women to pursue their career goals and attain leadership positions.
The Women Leading the Way Network is committed to empowering women to achieve their full potential, fostering an inclusive environment where every woman can thrive and succeed.