This year's International Women's Day, themed #InspireInclusion, serves as a call to action, urging us to break down barriers and challenge the stereotypes and biases that women face in all aspects of our society. James Mroch, a member of the IoD Next Gen committee shares some thoughts around this year's theme and how #inspireinclusion is a priority for the IoD Next Gen Forum.
As the IoD Next Gen Forum, we recognise that we take a leading role in fostering diversity within leadership now, and for the future. With a committee supporting the forum, comprising of 12 members, more than half of which are women, we are proud to showcase our commitment to equality beyond gender alone. Each of our female committee members brings a unique set of skills, insights, and experiences from various industries such as data, AI & tech, investments & funds, and law. This diverse expertise provides invaluable perspectives, enriching the committee's ability to encourage inclusion,support and nurture future business leaders.
We understand that a truly inclusive environment is not just about presence but about integrating and valuing the multifaceted contributions of women – especially those from backgrounds less travelled to leadership and decision-making tables.
Breaking the Mould in Leadership
Strong leadership requires a fusion of different perspectives. Despite this, many women, particularly from under-represented groups, find the ascent to leadership troubled by invisible hurdles. To counter this, 'Inspire Inclusion' is not a gentle nudge but a clarion call to galvanize action. Men and women alike must actively engage in creating spaces buoyant with diversity.
Through the IoD Next Gen Forum, we endeavour to assist aspiring future leaders by equipping them with the right skills, and equally importantly, the confidence to strive towards that goal. Younger leaders will hopefully bring a different perspective, and one which promotes diversity within business and at the leadership table.
Education as a Catalyst for Change
The power of education in advancing inclusion cannot be overstated. There has indisputably been a distinct lack of mentorship and role models in many sectors for women, something that we as a next gen are passionate about challenging. Mentorship schemes and educational workshops are pivotal in supporting and nurturing women’s aspirations in business. An approach that combines awareness with action is essential for cultivating environments where women are enabled to scale personal and professional heights. This is one of the many reasons that the IoD Next Gen Forum launched a mentoring scheme recently and provides a diverse programme of workshops that harness both technical and softer personal development skills.
Solidarity in Action
While huge strides have been made in terms of diversity, many sectors still have a journey ahead in realising equal and fair representation. The IoD NextGen Forum understands this transformation as a relay race that requires persistence and collaborative effort to ensure all individuals have a ladder to success.
Together, let’s extend the momentum of 'Inspire Inclusion' far beyond this IWD and transform it into a journey towards a more equitable future where gender parity is not an ambition but a reality.
If you wish to find out more about the IoD, the Next Gen Forum and any of our workshops or events, please feel free to get in touch with any of our committee members or contact: [email protected]