C O LLA B O RATE
STEPPING UP After celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March, IOSH talks to five women who have risen to the top of the OSH profession about climbing the career ladder and the biggest challenges ahead. DIANE CHADWICK-JONES, human performance director, BP
PHOTOG RAPHY: ALAMY
‘There were times early in my career where I felt disrespected or marginalised as a woman,’ says Diane. ‘I think we’ve moved on from that era by showing that women are front and centre in the workplace through our actions, and companies are emphasising inclusive behaviours.’ Most discrimination stems not from attempts to harm anyone, but from selective helping, she adds. ‘When we go out of our way to help someone who is similar to us, this is unconscious selective privileging that reinforces the status quo. That’s why conscious inclusion through mentoring is so important.’ Diane already mentors others: ‘I walk in their shoes to see different perspectives and learn how I can be more inclusive. The more inclusive we are, the more trust is built. The more that people feel able to speak about issues, the more we understand the hidden safety risks and the complexity of our problems and how to fix them.’
34 MARCH/APRIL 2020 | IOSHMAGAZINE.COM
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