International Women’s Day 2009

To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March 2009, North Lincolnshire Council is inviting local residents to a free conference on Thursday 5 March which aims to raise awareness of the gender gap in workplaces.

The one day event, to be held at the Kingsway Centre in Scunthorpe, is in partnership with North Lindsey College and will include presentations from guest speakers and interactive sessions.

The issue of gender equality is becoming more significant in society, both locally and nationally. This event aims to address local issues and give a better understanding of the needs of both men and women in the workplace.

Workshops include:
Increasing participation of learners in non-traditional areas
Aiming higher: fairplay for women
The Legal Framework
Gender and work life balance.

Guest speakers will include Carole Hassan, Chief Executive Local Government Yorkshire and Humber, who regularly speaks on the subject of diversity and will offer an interesting insight into her particular experiences as a female Chief Executive Officer.

Professor Beverley Alimo-Metcalfe, an organisation psychologist from the University of Bradford School of Management, will speak about her field of leadership research, and also as a patron of Women in Management.

Other speakers include Teresa Thomas, a leading employment law solicitor and Liz Bavidge who was awarded an OBE in 2007 for services to women.

And in the spirit of diversity, the speakers won’t just be women – as Steve Ward, the Equality and Diversity manager for the Learning and Skills Council Yorkshire and Humber will give a presentation. Steve has also worked in the voluntary sector, raising awareness on a range of disabilities.

And Bob Hulme, Men’s Health Co-ordinator at NHS North Lincolnshire will provide information about the role of fathers in the workplace.

Cllr Andrea Davison, Lead member for Diversity at North Lincolnshire Council said:

“I am pleased that this event is being held to raise awareness of issues in the workplace. Gender discrimination still occurs and by highlighting the issues we can confront them and hopefully make a difference.

“There will be a wide variety of speakers who between them have a great deal of experience in this area, and can offer valuable insights on how to deal with gender discrimination. The day is free and open to anyone, so I would like to encourage anyone who is interested to book a place now.”

To book a place on the open day please contact Rachel Credland on 01724 296105 or email rachel.credland@northlincs.gov.uk

Alternatively you can pick up a booking form from any of the council libraries and local links.

For further information please contact: Rebecca Penston on 01724 296345 or email: rebecca.penston@northlincs.gov.uk.

http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/NorthLincs/News/PressReleases/GenderGap.htm