THE promotion of gender diversity in the workplace was top of the agenda at the second annual Women in Business Chair's lunch.
Over 300 of the north's business leaders attended the event in the Europa Hotel yesterday to see the launch of the Gender Diversity Charter Mark Northern Ireland.
The Charter Mark is the first of its kind and enables organisations to demonstrate their commitment and progress on gender diversity.
Businesses that sign up to the Charter will commit to advancing gender diversity by addressing areas of unequal gender representation at all levels; removing obstacles faced by women at key points of career development; implementing structural and cultural changes that help advance gender diversity; and putting in place a strategy and action plan to effect change.
Women in Business chair Imelda McMillan said:
"Women in Business is committed to creating a new economy in Northern Ireland, one based on inclusive growth. Gender diversity in the workplace will encourage this growth and the Charter will support this by ensuring that organisations at the very highest level have embraced this cultural shift."
"The Charter enables organisations to identify and reflect on institutional barriers facing women that impact their career progression. By doing so the Charter will also progress the overall diversity agenda and the working environment of all employees."
"I would really encourage local organisations to sign up to the Charter and join Women in Business¹s commitment to create a new economy. Without benefitting from the rich variety of talent and abilities of all employees, organisations cannot reach their full potential."
A panel of Northern Ireland business leaders including Suzanne Wylie, Belfast City Council; Jackie Henry, Deloitte; David Sterling, Northern Ireland Civil Service and John Healy, Allstate have all pledged their support for the Charter Mark. Organisations can sign up at www.chartermarkni.org.
