Women Inspiring Change

March saw the hugely successful was International Women’s Day – an event that celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action.

‘Inspiring Change’ was the theme for many who took part in celebrating women’s advancement in all levels of society earlier this month on day that has been key on the calendar since its inception in 1911.

Thousands of events occurred to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, corporations and the media all celebrated the day.

There are many areas that still need work if we are to witness the equality that is so desired in society – and one of the most high profile is in the workplace.

There are many statistics and reports that show just how gaps are widening in pay, responsibility, not to mention the amount of discrimination and lack of women at the top.

A level playing field in the workplace is the Holy Grail and there is a huge movement worldwide to move things on, hopefully in the not too distant future.

Whilst there myriad challenges for women in work, there are plenty of women who have opted to go it alone and set up their own business and are now in control of their own future.

Northern Ireland has its fair share of start-ups and even the recession has no dampened enthusiasm for new product development.

We spoke to the four women listed below who are running their own businesses – some of whom are also busy mothers – and are  proving that they’re just as successful, if not more, than their male counterparts.

• Jacquelyn Stewart, Squeeze Juice Café
• Clare Rainey, Kookycook Fresh Pesto
• Geri Martin, The Chocolate Manor
• Karen Daly, Slender Choice

Research shows that there are 7 women for every 10 men starting a business. Lack of confidence is cited as a major reason. Do you agree with this?

JS: I would say lack of confidence is one of the reasons there are fewer women than men starting a business.  As women are very often overlooked for promotion opportunities in the workplace it is harder for them to have the confidence and belief to follow their dream to start a business. Hopefully, we are creating future generations of strong, independent women who will have the courage to live out their dreams.

CR: “I would agree that lack of confidence has a part to play. I am aware that I have slightly less confidence than my male peers. Men are in my experience more impulsive and quicker to ‘take the plunge’ whereas women will weigh up the pros and cons and often shy away from a potentially risky situation – such as starting up their own business. I still work five evenings a week in a restaurant while at the same time growing my fledgling pesto business. This is due to not having the confidence to take that leap of faith.”

GM: “I believe confidence is a major factor for anyone starting a business.  I consider myself a confident person, with experience in sales, working with people and marketing so I had no issue in being confident with promoting my product. That said;  when I found myself faced with challenges in the business, especially in areas that I had no expertise in, I certainly lacked confidence.  However, I now have the confidence to realise that I don’t have to do everything myself and that asking for help from the experts is the best way for me to build my business.”

Have you ever experienced sexism in your working life?

JS: “I had the misfortune to have a line manager who didn’t really have a high opinion of the contribution women had to make in the workplace.  I also earned less than male counterparts doing the same job.”

CR:  “No, never.”

KD: “Thankfully never, however I have always had female managers!”

Can family life (children) delay some women starting up on their own?

CR: “I think not, I believe if you want to do something you will do it there and then. Having kids generally doesn’t hold women back.”

GM: “I often wish I had started my business before I had children – I recall all that time I used to have that I could have dedicated to it back then! However, I’m now a mum of two, a four-year-old and a 21-month old, and juggling my work commitments, family and business is certainly a challenge.  For me therefore family life didn’t delay me – it actually spurred me on as I see my business as a way to support my family.”

Do we still have a long way to go before we see equality in the workplace?

JS: There will not be equality in the workplace until we see equal numbers of men and women in pivotal roles in the workplace and a female’s potential is recognised and rewarded in the same way as her male counterparts.

KD: “Unfortunately yes and I think it is essential that we see more women on boards of major organisations – the presence of women falls off the ladder all too quickly as roles become more senior and this is certainly an opportunity lost. Females bring an added dimension to the workplace and I look forward to seeing more females step into these roles.”

Download the digital edition of Neighbourhood Retailer from the home page to read the full article. 

*Pictured top is Clare Rainey of Kookycook Fresh Pesto