{"id":4595,"date":"2021-02-27T10:54:54","date_gmt":"2021-02-27T09:54:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/?page_id=4595"},"modified":"2023-08-29T18:50:59","modified_gmt":"2023-08-29T17:50:59","slug":"si-cannock-international-womens-day-2021-choose-to-challenge-gender-equality","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/si-cannock-international-womens-day-2021-choose-to-challenge-gender-equality\/","title":{"rendered":"International Women\u2019s Day 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The theme for International Women\u2019s Day 2021 was #Choosetochallenge \u2013 Gender Equality<\/p>\n<p>In line with this, SI Cannock decided to celebrate women who have done just that. They have chosen to challenge stereotypes by going into careers traditionally thought of as male roles.<\/p>\n<p>We approached a firefighter, prison officer, CEOs, and many more to ask them to share their experiences, positive and negative, of having a successful career in what is mainly a man\u2019s world.<\/p>\n<p>We asked them all the same questions and here are their responses. Look out for the insights from these amazing women.<\/p>\n<p>We also thought it important to highlight how working mothers coped during the pandemic, juggling working from home with home schooling and concerns about finances during those extraordinary times.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"list\"><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#HayleyBaxter\">Hayley Baxter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#RebeccaBryant\">Rebecca Bryant<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#KathyCoe\">Kathy Coe, MBE<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Generic\">Generic Working Mum during Lockdown<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#AliceGooch\">Alice Gooch<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#EmmaHodges\">Emma Hodges<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#DickieJames\">Dickie James MBE<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#AndreaJohnson\">Andrea Johnson<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#OliviaLyons\">Olivia Lyons<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#AmandaMilling\">Amanda Milling MP<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#JennySteel\">Jenny Steel<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Anonymous\">Anonymous<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a id=\"HayleyBaxter\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hayley Baxter<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Hayley-for-IWD.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4597\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Hayley-for-IWD-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Hayley-for-IWD-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Hayley-for-IWD-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Hayley-for-IWD.jpg 747w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>1.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What is your profession\/job?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Chief Executive Officer at Pathway Project a charity supporting people escaping domestic and sexual abuse.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>2.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>How long have you been doing this?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve been CEO for just under two years, and before that I was the Operations Director for Pathway for 12 years.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>3.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What made you decide to go into this particular path?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I had been working in retail management since I left university and really wanted to do something different, but where I could take some of my skills with me.\u00a0 It was completely by chance that I stumbled on Pathway\u2019s job advert, and while I had no previous experience of DA I just thought why not?\u00a0 I read as much as I could about domestic and sexual abuse in preparation and I was really proud I had got to the interviews.\u00a0 I always remember asking Kathy \u2018are you sure?\u2019 when she offered me the job!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>4.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Was it at all difficult going into a predominantly \u201cman&#8217;s world&#8221;?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Not for me, but that\u2019s because Pathway has always been a women\u2019s organisation.\u00a0 It was founded by a strong woman, who always led from the front, so we have always adopted that mantel with our staff.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>5.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Have there been ways or times you have been treated differently do you think, because you are a woman?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Absolutely.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been asked to fetch drinks, get people\u2019s buffets and ordered around.\u00a0 Unfortunately, they couldn\u2019t have picked a worse person to ask as I never buy into things like that.\u00a0 I have no problem speaking up and challenging where needed and that encourages people to see your worth.\u00a0 I was 27 when I started, and looked younger so I am sure people saw me as a \u2018silly little girl\u2019, however, no one at Pathway ever allows anyone to think that for long.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>6.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to other women thinking of going into a similar role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To go for it.\u00a0 If I had really sat and thought about moving to Pathway I probably would have talked myself out of it.\u00a0 Instead, I thought why not and found something that I am incredibly passionate about.\u00a0 When Kathy retired and I was approached about taking over as CEO at a difficult time for the organisation, there was no question that I would regret it if I didn\u2019t do it.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>7.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to men dealing with women who are working in what has traditionally been considered a man&#8217;s role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Find something that you have passion about and drives you, and that gives you a voice that you want to be heard.\u00a0 I won\u2019t sit back and listen to anyone dismiss the feelings, needs or requirements of my staff, service users, or organisation, which means that I tend to look at the work that\u2019s being done or discussed, rather than the gender of the person that\u2019s saying it.\u00a0 I have one job to do and that\u2019s always my focus no matter who I am dealing with.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>8.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What strategies have you employed to deal with any discrimination?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Not being quiet.\u00a0 It\u2019s about professional challenge and a desire to work together and make things better.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>9.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Are you glad you chose this role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Absolutely.\u00a0 I have often been asked what would I do if I didn\u2019t work for Pathway, and quite honestly I haven\u2019t got a clue.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What are the benefits to working in a mostly or traditionally male environment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In my line of work its great to see so many women leading organisations and really contributing towards our communities, and it\u2019s great to see so many traditionally male led services and agencies turn towards us because of our knowledge and specialism in the work we do.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"RebeccaBryant\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Rebecca Bryant<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4599\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4599\" style=\"width: 199px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Rebecca-Bryant.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4599\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Rebecca-Bryant-199x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"199\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Rebecca-Bryant-199x300.jpg 199w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Rebecca-Bryant.jpg 680w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 199px) 100vw, 199px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4599\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">SFRS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>1.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What is your profession\/job?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I am the Chief Fire Officer from Staffordshire Fire &amp; Rescue Service<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>2.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>How long have you been doing this?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I joined Bedfordshire Fire Service as a firefighter on the 20<sup>th<\/sup> July 1992<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>3.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What made you decide to go into this particular path?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I wanted a job that was not desk-bound, offered lots of variety and gave me the chance to make a difference to others. I had known some retained firefighters and they always seemed like they enjoyed the work and it presented physical and mental challenges to them. I though it looked like a option for me but never once through I would get selected, least of all make a lengthy career out of the role.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>4.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Was it at all difficult going into a predominantly \u201cman&#8217;s world&#8221;?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It has been difficult at time because when I joined there were very few female firefighters so we were seen as something very unusual. We were often questioned as to how could women do the same job as a man because of the heavy equipment and the physicality of the role. It also came as a great surprise to people we went out to that there was a women who was part of the crew.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>5.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Have there been ways or times you have been treated differently do you think, because you are a woman?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At the start of my career , more than 25 years ago, there were times where people expected that you would not be able to undertake the role so you were continually tested. I have also been told in no uncertain terms by some people that they could not trust me to rescue them out of a burning building because I was a woman.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>6.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to other women thinking of going into a similar role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Fire Service is a fantastic place to work, times have moved on so much since I first joined. The key for me I think is doing a job that you are really interested in and that makes you happy. It is important to have a range of skills to be successful through a recruitment process because the competition is high to become a firefighter. You need to be able to work as part of a team, show compassion and empathy because you are helping people at their worst of times and you do need to be physically fit. You do not have to be an Olympic athlete however. Don\u2019t be put off if you are not successful the first time around, get feedback on why this time you were not successful and then work hard.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>7.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to men dealing with women who are working in what has traditionally been considered a man&#8217;s role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Stop thinking about jobs being either right for a woman or a man, we all have an incredible amount to offer. Believe in yourself, your skills you\u2019re your capability you are amazing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>8.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What strategies have you employed to deal with any discrimination?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There are formal mechanisms in place to follow within the world of work and these are there to help and support you.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>9.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Are you glad you chose this role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, I would advise my 22 year old self to apply again if I had the chance.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What are the benefits to working in a mostly or traditionally male environment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I much rather look at the environment in which I work as a place where teams work together and these teams are made up of lots of difference. This difference is what makes team work interesting and fulfilling because of the way you successfully achieve things together.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"KathyCoe\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Kathy Coe, MBE<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Kathy-Coe.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4600\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Kathy-Coe-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Kathy-Coe-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Kathy-Coe.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\">1 <strong>What is your profession\/job?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I was the Founder and CEO of Pathway Project, a domestic and sexual abuse service.\u00a0 I retired almost two years ago but still offer my services in a voluntary capacity.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\">2 <strong>How long have you been doing this?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I was employed for 25 years as CEO and prior to that spent 7 years in a voluntary capacity setting the project up, whilst also working in other jobs such as with the Council of Voluntary Service.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What made you decide to go into this particular path?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I was in a very abusive marriage when I started setting up the project, hoping to help other people in a similar situation.\u00a0\u00a0 When I finally escaped from that marriage I was even more focused on helping others and making Pathway work.\u00a0\u00a0 It was never my chosen career path, and I wouldn\u2019t have even thought to do this type of work had I not gone through the abuse that I did.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Was it at all difficult going into a predominantly \u201cman&#8217;s world&#8221;?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In my early days it was really tough.\u00a0 I was trying to persuade and influence local councillors to support the project and I literally felt at times that I was being patted on the head and told to go home.\u00a0 The council was primarily made up of men who really lacked understanding of the issue of domestic abuse.\u00a0\u00a0 I was told that there was no domestic abuse in Lichfield District.\u00a0 This was obviously a failure to collect any data which would have proved the need.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Have there been ways or times you have been treated differently do you think, because you are a woman?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I was treated with a patronising attitude, partly because I was a woman and partly because I didn\u2019t have any relevant experience, other than lived experience.\u00a0 Had I not been so determined it would have been very easy to give up and walk away.\u00a0\u00a0 I was made to believe that I was never going to succeed in setting up my charity.\u00a0\u00a0 I believe that if I had been male I would have had a lot more support and respect.\u00a0\u00a0 Of course the experience around the country was similar everywhere \u2013 it was women with lived experience who were setting up the projects, often at huge costs to themselves.\u00a0\u00a0 The ethos was very much of women supporting women.\u00a0\u00a0 Once the project was up and running, there was no specific funding, and we had to run on a shoestring.\u00a0 Men controlled most of the local authority grant funding and had control of the budgets.\u00a0\u00a0 It really was a man\u2019s world and in many ways that is still the case.\u00a0 A case a colleague was once at a conference with women speaking about domestic abuse, when a man stood up and asked why there were no men\u2019s projects.\u00a0\u00a0 A woman gave a really powerful answer, that when men put their lives on hold, invested their time and their own money into setting up projects, often without pay, then there would be men\u2019s projects.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to other women thinking of going into a similar role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I would say \u2018Do it\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0 Despite all of the difficulties, the stress and the sacrifices, it is the most amazing thing that I have ever done.\u00a0\u00a0 When you feel that passion to help other people, when you give yourself completely to the work, then you can change the world for others.\u00a0\u00a0 In some cases you will save lives that would otherwise have been lost.<\/p>\n<p>Sadly there are a number of people, primarily men, who feel that our work is targeted against them.\u00a0\u00a0 Our services are gender specific in most part, but we are available to male victims too.\u00a0\u00a0 Making sure that this is understood is important.\u00a0\u00a0 Finding ways to work with men, rather than against them, is the best way to move forward.\u00a0\u00a0 It took time, but I ended up with many very good working relationships with men.<\/p>\n<p>In the end your outcomes prove the necessity for and the excellence of your performance.\u00a0 Build a good team of people with varied skills and always have integrity.\u00a0\u00a0 If you do something outstanding make sure everyone hears about it, but if you make a mistake and get something wrong you also need to take responsibility for it and to be transparent about what has happened.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t give up!\u00a0\u00a0 When people say you can\u2019t do it and it is impossible, prove them wrong.\u00a0 We need to start believing in ourselves.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to men dealing with women who are working in what has traditionally been considered a man&#8217;s role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Expect the best from women.\u00a0\u00a0 They will be loyal, hard working and supportive.\u00a0\u00a0 They often are less competitive than men but never doubt that they will do whatever it takes to succeed.\u00a0\u00a0 Women and men, working together, have the perfect basket of skills to make things work.\u00a0 Above all women want to be treated as equals.\u00a0\u00a0 You underestimate women at your own risk.\u00a0\u00a0 We may deal with challenges in a different way but our strategy is different while just as effective.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What strategies have you employed to deal with any discrimination?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Self-belief is key.\u00a0 Sometimes the right thing to do is to confront the discrimination.\u00a0 However that often leads to denial.\u00a0 Re-affirming your skills and your position is important.\u00a0 Carrots often are more effective than sticks.\u00a0 In the end, if the discrimination is serious and more subtle strategies have failed, there are laws to protect you.\u00a0 Use them if you need to.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Are you glad you chose this role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Best decision ever.\u00a0\u00a0 I have not regretted my choice of career.\u00a0\u00a0 It has led to some of the most amazing times in my life and I have been so blessed.\u00a0\u00a0 Helping others is a great privilege and one I wouldn\u2019t have missed for the world.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>10\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What are the benefits to working in a mostly or traditionally male environment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The benefits are:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 When you realise that you are being treated with the same respect as male counterparts, particularly by male counterparts.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The joy of doing a great job and knowing that no-one could have done it better<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The opportunity to work alongside male and female leaders and share best practice<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Proving that you are equal to, or even better than male leaders, but not needing to shout about it.\u00a0\u00a0 The moment when you show that you have nothing left to prove is a wonderful one.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Generic\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Generic Working Mum during Lockdown<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">In January 2021 Soroptimist International made an empowering and challenging statement, a rallying call for women and girls of all ages to \u201cfully and equally participate in public life, hold positions of leadership and be recognised as key players at all levels of decision making\u201d and only then \u201cwill the world we live in be one where everyone has equal opportunities\u201d, but not every woman is an MD of a large organisation or a prominent political figure or has been fortunate enough to achieve business success at the highest levels.<\/p>\n<p>So what of the thousands that struggle daily to achieve the balance of home and work, whilst always being mindful of the need for equality? After all, if you believe pop culture \u201cThis is a man\u2019s world\u201d. How does that woman contribute to the struggle and offer her voice to the female collective who challenge every day to thrive, proving \u201cSisters are doing it for themselves\u201d?<\/p>\n<p>Take Jo, a busy divorced mum of two, she has a demanding sales job that often means she is on teams calls most of the day, whilst still running a house and providing for her children. Add in the pandemic and home schooling and suddenly Jo has more plates spinning usual.<\/p>\n<p>When you also consider all the other responsibilities that are inherently considered by society to be the domain of women, looking after elder relatives say or dealing with a poorly child, then the chance of having time to contribute to the goal of equality can be even tougher.<\/p>\n<p>But does Jo stop striving for equality? I think not. The pressures of life are always there, and some are lucky to have support, wealth or both to assist with the daily slog. Even the bro pair has his uses. But equality comes from taking a stance and leading where you can, not every woman will have the opportunity to lead a political party, but we can all be leaders.<\/p>\n<p>Whether it\u2019s taking a stance at work, supporting a female colleague or challenging the support the school can offer her child with a disability on a zoom call, Jo always looks for the opportunity to promote equality, empathy and fairness.<\/p>\n<p>As Kofi Annan, Past Secretary General of the UN, said on International Women\u2019s Day in March 2003 \u201cWhen women thrive all society benefits.\u201d I couldn\u2019t have put it better myself, although at that point there wasn\u2019t a pandemic\u2026\u2026 and we hadn\u2019t all run out of eggs\u2026..<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><br \/>\n<a id=\"AliceGooch\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Alice Gooch<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Alice.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4601\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Alice-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Alice-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Alice.jpg 681w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\">1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What is your profession\/job?<\/strong><br \/>\nBroadband Tech Team Manager for Sky<br \/>\npreviously- Home Service Engineer and Home Service Ambassador at Sky<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\">2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>How long have you been doing this?<\/strong><br \/>\nwith Sky for 2 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\">3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What made you decide to go into this particular path?<\/strong><br \/>\nI liked the look of the role, thought it would be a challenge and something different.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\">4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>Was it at all difficult going into a predominantly \u201cman&#8217;s world&#8221;?<\/strong><br \/>\nI had a few people tell me (when I got the role of Home Service Ambassador) you\u2019ve only got it because you\u2019re a female and they want more women in the roles at the moment\u2026 that was disheartening especially as id worked so hard to get to that point but you just have to get on with it and know what you did to get there. I get on great with my new team as a manager and I have had no issues really with fitting in with this role. The managers around me are all male and most of the staff I manage are all male. You can have a laugh and a joke no ones really treated me different for being a woman.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\">5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>Have there been ways or times you have been treated differently do you think, because you are a woman?<br \/>\n<\/strong>I used to get it all the time from customers. You\u2019d phone them up to say you were on your way and they panic and think I had the wrong number or respond with \u2018can you tell him when he gets here\u2026 oh you\u2019re the engineer?!&#8230; is there someone coming with you?. you know I need a new dish, is someone coming to do that separate?&#8230; that would always get my back up a bit before I got there but id try to make a joke out of it. They don\u2019t realise sometimes you hear that 8 times a day, to them its just a fleeting comment where as to you its oh god here we go again. Id get people ask if I had tools etc or if I needed to borrow their husbands which always made me laugh as why would I turn up to complete a job without the tools to do it. Many people would offer to carry ladders for me as they looked far too heavy or tell me I shouldn\u2019t be doing that, or trying to tell me how to use drills id had countless hours of training on etc. I once had a total stranger walk past me while up a ladder installing a dish that said \u2018oh you\u2019re a girl gosh I didn\u2019t realise; well wow you are doing that just as good as a man would, good for you\u2019 and you just think really?!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\">6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What advice would you give to other women thinking of going into a similar role?<br \/>\n<\/strong>don\u2019t take things too seriously, it\u2019s never personal! Don\u2019t be easily offended and try to enlighten not scold! Educate people on how you got into it, you\u2019d be surprised how many people ask how they could get into it too.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>7.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to men dealing with women who are working in what has traditionally been considered a man&#8217;s role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t assume a female gets a job based on filling a quota! Everyone works hard for any role but to suggest that someone only got a job because they are a woman is honestly the most upsetting thing. Like I said before especially when you\u2019ve worked so hard to get where you are.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>8.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What strategies have you employed to deal with any discrimination?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m not afraid to say what I think. I say it how it is which can sometimes get me in trouble but I\u2019ve found many people respect my honesty and the fact I don\u2019t shy away from a situation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>9.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Are you glad you chose this role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Absolutely! I love what I do and I couldn\u2019t see myself doing anything different.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"653\"><strong>10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What are the benefits to working in a mostly or traditionally male environment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"EmmaHodges\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Emma Hodges<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/EmmaHodges-.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4603\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/EmmaHodges-.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"146\" height=\"146\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What is your profession\/job?<\/strong> Group Chief Executive at St Giles Hospice<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>How long have you been doing this?<\/strong> Since 2015<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What made you decide to go into this particular path?<\/strong>\u00a0 I had been working at St Giles since 2009 and was Deputy CEO at the time the CEO role became available.\u00a0 It was a big decision to apply, possibly harder with an internal promotion.\u00a0 I felt such loyalty and commitment to the team and I love being at St Giles, I just had to take a deep breath and go for it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>Was it at all difficult going into a predominantly \u201cman&#8217;s world&#8221;?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m lucky in my sector that there are lots of female role models and wonderful leaders.\u00a0 I was the first female CEO at St Giles.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>Have there been ways or times you have been treated differently do you think, because you are a woman?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0There have been yes, I remember a particular meeting with someone having a meeting with myself and a male colleague and an almost expectation that the man was more senior and a bit of an awkward moment when we introduced ourselves.\u00a0 My male colleague was quite surprised by what he saw as quite blatant sexism.\u00a0 That\u2019s happened a few times.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What advice would you give to other women thinking of going into a similar role?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0You\u2019ll never feel good enough \u2013 if you wait until you feel ready, you\u2019ll never take that step.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t mean you are not ready \u2013 it is just part of how we are, the whole concept of Imposter Syndrome. If you accept that is normal and a shared experience with many, many female leaders then it is easier to go for it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What advice would you give to men dealing with women who are working in what has traditionally been considered a man&#8217;s role?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t be patronising \u2013 accept us as able to do the job.\u00a0 Don\u2019t make assumptions about how we\u2019ll do the job \u2013 just let us get on with it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What strategies have you employed to deal with any discrimination?<\/strong>\u00a0 Earlier in my career I would have dressed smarter or been more assertive perhaps introducing myself and trying to be heard.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I do that anymore \u2013 I can hold my own and stay authentic.\u00a0 That said if I was in a situation where I felt disadvantaged due to discrimination I know I\u2019d find it challenging still and want to find a way of confronting it.\u00a0 That\u2019s where support networks and the ability to talk things through is really important.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>Are you glad you chose this role?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Yes \u2013 I\u2019ve felt truly honoured to have the opportunity<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">10. <strong>What are the benefits to working in a mostly or traditionally male environment?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0When I am the only woman in a meeting then it does provide an opportunity for male dominance to be tested and perhaps an alternative approach to some situations.\u00a0 Women can be tough on each other too \u2013 it\u2019s about accepting that diversity can provide better outcomes and accepting people for who they are.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"DickieJames\"><\/a><br \/>\nnbsp;<br \/>\n<strong>Dickie James MBE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Dickie-199x199-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4604\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Dickie-199x199-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"199\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Dickie-199x199-1.jpg 199w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Dickie-199x199-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 199px) 100vw, 199px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"691\"><strong>1.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What is your profession\/job?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Chief Executive Officer at Staffordshire Women\u2019s Aid<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"691\"><strong>2.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>How long have you been doing this?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I have been working in this role for about 20 years now.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"691\"><strong>3.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What made you decide to go into this particular path?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I started as a Help Line volunteer at Staffs Women\u2019s Aid while I was teaching at Staffs Uni. When a job came up, I decided to change my career path. I wanted to be on the front line, making a difference to the lives of women and children, putting my feminist values into practice. It wasn\u2019t really a decision in the strict sense \u2013 to be honest, sometimes fate brings you to something in ways you never expected. When I started as a volunteer I imagined I would give one evening a week. Once I started, the cause and the need for the work got under my skin. It was almost like fate. I have never looked back from that turn of fate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"691\"><strong>4.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Was it at all difficult going into a predominantly \u201cman&#8217;s world&#8221;?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Staffordshire Women\u2019s Aid is a women centred organisation, and was set up by women for women, so I actually work in a predominantly women-centred world, espousing women\u2019s leadership. We often have survivors of violence against women and girls working in the organisation. As a survivor myself, I am proud to be able to lead a women\u2019s organisation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"691\"><strong>5.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Have there been ways or times you have been treated differently do you think, because you are a woman?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Most certainly, and for most of my life. I had a loving, safe life growing up, but I was always conscious that boys had opportunities I didn\u2019t. I work with lots of agencies such as the Police, social services and councils, and many of the men I work with are strong partners in our work, understanding what we are doing and supporting it. But there is still a level of sexism out there. Women are treated differently, and they have to work very hard to be taken seriously. I think one of the things that I find so unjust in my work is the way that women get judged so harshly. Men are never judged in the same way.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"691\"><strong>6.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to other women thinking of going into a similar role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Be proud of being a woman. We face challenges in our lives that men don\u2019t and it makes us strong and resilient.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"691\"><strong>7.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to men dealing with women who are working in what has traditionally been considered a man&#8217;s role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Be aware of male privilege, and always check that you aren\u2019t using or abusing it. Women can be your allies.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"691\"><strong>8.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What strategies have you employed to deal with any discrimination?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I pick my battles carefully. Women have to. I have on a couple of occasions complained about harassment by a man in a professional role. It was really hard to do, but it made a difference.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"691\"><strong>9.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Are you glad you chose this role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I have never questioned it. It has given me so much confidence and self belief. I love my work.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"691\"><strong>10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What are the benefits to working in a mostly or traditionally male environment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>As stated earlier, I am unusually a CEO in a predominantly female environment. However, I feel women have qualities to bring to all spheres of leadership.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"AndreaJohnson\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Andrea Johnson<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Green-watch.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4605\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Green-watch-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Green-watch-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Green-watch.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>1.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What is your profession\/job?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I work for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue service as a Crew Manager at Cannock fire station on Green watch.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>2.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>How long have you been doing this?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I joined the service on the 1<sup>st<\/sup> June 2006<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>3.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What made you decide to go into this particular path?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I was not very academic at school as I suffer from Dyslexia so I have always picked jobs where my practical skills would be more use to me<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>4.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Was it at all difficult going into a predominantly \u201cman&#8217;s world&#8221;?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Most of careers I did before the fire service where more male dominated; for eg. I was a long distance lorry driver for a number of years and I also worked of a funeral company driving their horse drawn hearse; so to me I didn\u2019t see any difference.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>5.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Have there been ways or times you have been treated differently do you think, because you are a woman?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The only times I have been treated different in the fire service is when it has helped in an operational environment with certain situation when other woman find it easier to deal with me.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>6.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to other women thinking of going into a similar role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I would just say to treat women as professionals and equal to their male colleagues giving them the same opportunities.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>7.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to men dealing with women who are working in what has traditionally been considered a man&#8217;s role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>8.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What strategies have you employed to deal with any discrimination?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Staffordshire fire service has all the correct legal policies and procedures to follow where discrimination are concerned, but over the years the service has worked hard to change the culture within whole workforce.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>9.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Are you glad you chose this role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I am very glad I chose this career, as I always look forward to starting my shift, I\u2019m happy fulfilled and feel that I make a difference to the community that I serve.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What are the benefits to working in a mostly or traditionally male environment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We work well as a watch\u00a0&#8211; becoming strong in all area\u2019s giving us better skills to perform on the fire ground and other environments. We also have become close in our family lives.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"OliviaLyons\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Olivia Lyons<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Olivia_o.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4602\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Olivia_o.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"148\" height=\"148\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>1.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What is your profession\/job?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Councillor \u2013 Cannock Chase District Councillor (Group Leader)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>2.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>How long have you been doing this?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>3 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>3.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What made you decide to go into this particular path?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Involved in lots of different groups and events within the local community so it felt like the next natural step \u2013 I love my hometown and wanted see positive change.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>4.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Was it at all difficult going into a predominantly \u201cman&#8217;s world&#8221;?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, initially. To begin with I was one of very few females and it was clear fellow male colleagues were uncomfortable with that.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>5.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Have there been ways or times you have been treated differently do you think, because you are a woman?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, in my very first council meeting one of the older male councillors in the Chamber sniggered and referred to me as \u2018the young lass\u2019. He inferred that I was inexperienced and not qualified to offer my opinion.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>6.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to other women thinking of going into a similar role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It gets easier \u2013 those first few experiences are the hardest. Just be yourself, have confidence and you will earn respect.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>7.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to men dealing with women who are working in what has traditionally been considered a man&#8217;s role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Listen and get to know female colleagues \u2013 they are working alongside for a reason. Take time to understand them and they way they work \u2013 everyone offers different, unique perspective.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>8.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What strategies have you employed to deal with any discrimination?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Remain polite and professional \u2013 nothing frustrates the perpetrators more.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>9.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Are you glad you chose this role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, 100%. I love it more with each day. I feel truly honoured.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What are the benefits to working in a mostly or traditionally male environment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It shows that times are changing \u2013 the best is yet to come!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"AmandaMilling\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Amanda Milling MP<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Amanda.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4606\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/Amanda.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"186\" height=\"271\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<table width=\"671\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"671\"><strong>1.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What is your profession\/job?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>MP for Cannock Chase, Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party, Minister without Portfolio<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"671\"><strong>2.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>How long have you been doing this?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I have been the MP for Cannock Chase since 2015 and I was appointed as Co-Chairman of the Conservatives and Member without Portfolio in February 2020.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"671\"><strong>3.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What made you decide to go into this particular path?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I have always been interested in politics, and have been an active campaigner for the Conservative Party since an early age. I have risen up through the grassroots of the party \u2013 first as a party member, then to activist, councillor, MP and now Cabinet Minister.<\/p>\n<p>The Conservative Party\u2019s core values have always been in my blood. After a career in market research and my involvement in local politics, I decided I wanted to influence policy. I was honoured to be selected as the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Cannock Chase for the 2015 General Election, and go on to be elected as the MP.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"671\"><strong>4.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Was it at all difficult going into a predominantly \u201cman&#8217;s world&#8221;?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>When I left school there were 60 female MPs (out of 650 MPs).\u00a0 Whilst Parliament has historically been predominantly a \u2018man\u2019s world\u2019 it has changed significantly.\u00a0 I was inspired into politics by our first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, who demonstrated that women can not only be MPs but also the Prime Minister.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>With hard work, determination and a positive attitude I\u2019ve achieved a long held ambition, to be an MP.\u00a0 I hope my own story can demonstrate to others, that if you have a goal and put your mind to it \u2013 you can do it.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"671\"><strong>5.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Have there been ways or times you have been treated differently do you think, because you are a woman?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Everyone faces obstacles along the way.\u00a0 But for me it\u2019s about seeing these as a challenge and working out how to overcome them.<\/p>\n<p>The best way to show people you\u2019re up to the task is by putting in the time and the work and demonstrating you\u2019re the best person for the job.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"671\"><strong>6.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to other women thinking of going into a similar role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Go for it! Get involved, work hard, get the experience you need and find the right role for you. There\u2019s a role for everyone in our Party, and you never know where you\u2019re going to end up! Every position I have held in the Party has given me valuable insight for the role I have now, but it all started with delivering my first leaflet.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s no such word as \u2018can\u2019t\u2019 \u2013 there is always a way to get things done. In my political career, and now in my role as Co-Chairman, I\u2019m motivated by \u2018Can Do, Will Do, Want To\u2019.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"671\"><strong>7.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to men dealing with women who are working in what has traditionally been considered a man&#8217;s role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Treat them equally. This country has had two female prime ministers \u2013 there are no limits to what a woman can do and they should not be treated any differently.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"671\"><strong>8.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What strategies have you employed to deal with any discrimination?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve overcome discrimination by doing.<\/p>\n<p>Doing the work and doing it well to show that I am just as capable as anyone to do the job.<\/p>\n<p>We need to follow the examples set by people who have fought discrimination and paved the way for so many of us.\u00a0 It may be tough, but it is possible. It\u2019s by society working together to fight the challenges that we will make our country and our workplaces even better.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"671\"><strong>9.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Are you glad you chose this role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Being elected as the MP for Cannock Chase was one of the proudest moments of my life \u2013 especially because I grew up in Staffordshire and so the local area is very important to me.<\/p>\n<p>Having been a party activist for so many years I was honoured to be appointed by the Prime Minister to be Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party.<\/p>\n<p>My work is very varied and no one day is the same. I find my job very rewarding \u2013 whether I am assisting constituents with casework, meeting local business owners or working on our strategy to win as many seats as possible for the Conservative Party in the upcoming local elections.<\/p>\n<p>During my time as Co-Chairman, I have made it my personal mission to improve gender equality and diversity in the Party.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"671\"><strong>10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What are the benefits to working in a mostly or traditionally male environment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The biggest benefit of working in a traditionally male environment is you\u2019re part of the change to make Parliament more reflective of the country we all live in.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Although Parliament has been seen as a traditionally male environment, the number of female MPs is rising each election.\u00a0 By being in Parliament and showing women what is possible we can help to get even more involved. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The 2019 General Election returned the highest number of female MPs ever recorded: 220 (34%) of 650 MPs are women, but I want to see more. It is only as a party diverse in our backgrounds and experience, and united in our principles and duty to serve, that the Conservative Party can continue to represent the whole United Kingdom. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I recently launched the #AskHerToStand campaign asking women to stand as Conservative candidates for political office \u2013 whether that be as a parish councillor or as an MP. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Since the launch, hundreds of women have put themselves forward which is absolutely fantastic. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0It is so important that women are putting themselves forward for public office otherwise we are only seeing 50% of the best talent.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"JennySteel\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Jenny Steel<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/jen.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4607\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/jen-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/jen-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cannock-and-district\/files\/2021\/02\/jen.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What is your profession\/job?<\/strong> Currently on Loan to The Probation Reform Programme from 25 years as an operational grade in HM Prison Service. During these 25 years I have worked in 5 prisons, 4 of which were male establishments. I have moved through the grades from 2 to 9 (currently temporarily promoted to a Band 10) My substantive role is as a Contract Manager responsible for the operational oversight of the delivery of custodial services in a privately managed prison. Prior to that I was an operational Governor (Head of Function) in a public-sector prison.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>How long have you been doing this?<\/strong> HMPPS-26 years on 6<sup>th<\/sup> March 2021<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What made you decide to go into this particular path?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I wanted to join a uniformed service, as a civil servant, with a pension and a \u2018belonging\u2019, where there was camaraderie.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>Was it at all difficult going into a predominantly \u201cman&#8217;s world&#8221;?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At times, but I had been in the Fire Service previously so this had already built up my resilience!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>Have there been ways or times you have been treated differently do you think, because you are a woman?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Yes, but it works both ways- not just negatively!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What advice would you give to other women thinking of going into a similar role?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Maintain your inner strength, find your resilience from outside of work, stay focussed and be emotionally intelligent at all times.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What advice would you give to men dealing with women who are working in what has traditionally been considered a man&#8217;s role?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Judge the outcomes, not the person.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>What strategies have you employed to deal with any discrimination?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Be professional, have courage, be myself and retain my strong moral compass &#8211; knowing what is right and what is wrong for yourself and those around you.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>Are you glad you chose this role?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Yes, although I never knew where I would be 26 years on! It has provided me with a purpose, a great sense of personal and professional achievements, friendships, many happy memories, a good standard of living and learning opportunities that I never knew were there.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\">10. <strong>What are the benefits to working in a mostly or traditionally male environment?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Humour, different conversations, varied insights, diverse priorities.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Anonymous\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Anonymous<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>1.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What is your profession\/job?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I hold a public office position in Staffordshire.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>2.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>How long have you been doing this?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A number of years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>3.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What made you decide to go into this particular path?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It wasn\u2019t an intended choice, but once I had made the decision it was based on the portfolio of work, all subjects I am passionate about.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>4.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Was it at all difficult going into a predominantly \u201cman&#8217;s world&#8221;?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I never anticipated it to be difficult, having been in business one way or another all my working life. But it turned out to be!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>5.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Have there been ways or times you have been treated differently do you think, because you are a woman?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I would need lots of space to write how differently I have been treated, but can give a brief summary:<\/p>\n<p>Misogyny<\/p>\n<p>Sexual discrimination<\/p>\n<p>Being undermined<\/p>\n<p>Bullying<\/p>\n<p>Degrading and offensive words<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>6.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to other women thinking of going into a similar role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Resilience coupled with thick skin!!! The ability to \u2018speak up\u2019 to get your voice heard. To be determined and retain your authenticity. Most importantly, to believe in yourself and the abilities you have. (Sadly) be aware of whom you trust with your feelings in the workplace. Identify early male sociopaths in the workplace and put in place early coping mechanisms.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>7.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What advice would you give to men dealing with women who are working in what has traditionally been considered a man&#8217;s role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Depends on the man. Thankfully the majority are good and fair individuals and respect your skill. Others, feel threatened\u2026..so my advice would be not to feel threatened, embrace your female colleagues, you will certainly get much more out of them.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>8.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What strategies have you employed to deal with any discrimination?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Support of my family, informal chats to get them to change their behaviour and also formal complaints. Never give up!!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>9.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Are you glad you chose this role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Absolutely\u2026.no matter how tough it\u2019s been I\u2019m very proud of my work and achievements to the communities I serve.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"663\"><strong>10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>What are the benefits to working in a mostly or traditionally male environment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The obvious\u2026.different perspective and views.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"#list\">(back to top)<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The theme for International Women\u2019s Day 2021 was #Choosetochallenge \u2013 Gender Equality In line 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