WINNING TOGETHER

History Month still

Over the past century, women have made significant progress in the business world, breaking down barriers and shattering glass ceilings. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality in the workplace.

In the early 1900s, women were largely excluded from business, with many jobs considered unsuitable for the “fairer sex”. Women who did work in business were often paid less than men and had limited opportunities for advancement. However, as more women entered the workforce during the two world wars, attitudes began to shift, and women made some gains. The feminist movement of the 1960s and ’70s focused public attention on gender equality issues in the workplace. Women began to fight for equal pay, equal opportunities for promotion and an end to gender discrimination. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were significant victories, but progress was slow.

The 1980s saw the rise of the “superwoman” archetype, with women like Margaret Thatcher and Oprah Winfrey becoming symbols of female success in business. However, many women still faced discrimination and harassment in the workplace, and progress towards gender equality remained slow. The 1990s and 2000s saw more women entering the workforce and making gains in business. Women like Sheryl Sandberg, Marissa Mayer and Indra Nooyi rose to the top of their fields, and more companies began to recognise the benefits of diversity and gender equality in the workplace.

Despite these gains, women still face significant challenges in business. The gender pay gap remains a major issue, despite narrowing slightly every year, with women in the UK earning an average of 14.9 percent less than men. Currently, women are also underrepresented in leadership positions, with only seven of the FTSE 100’s ceo (chief operating officer) roles being held by women – even fewer than the nine achieved in 2022.

On the positive side, there are now many initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, including mentorship programmes, networking events and diversity training. By working together and continuing to fight for change, we can create a more equal and inclusive business world. Over the following pages, Shire sets out to champion some of the amazing women across the patch who are not only taking on these challenges but excelling at them.