Inspiring Cardiff women to the top

The 2012 research by Duport.co.uk into the numbers of women appointed to directorial positions is part of a growing conversation about women in leadership in recent years. Women’s representation in politics has also come under the spotlight with Labour hoping to encourage more women to stand for political positions at grassroots levels through their Charter for Women. Speaking before the event Ben Cottam, head of ACCA Wales, explained that the lecture, “is about throwing open the debate to Wales.”

One Cardiff-based charity has been helping to boost the number of women in leadership since 2005. Women Making a Difference (WMAD) have been working in communities across Wales to equip women with the managerial, decision making skills and confidence to become leaders, both in business and local affairs.

As part of their work to increase the number of women in senior positions such as school governors, councillors and board members WMAD support women of all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented due to their religion, sexuality, race, disability and education. They host free workshops on a local basis, which train women to overcome the social barriers preventing them from becoming senior decision-makers.

The importance of diversity in the workplace will be a key talking point for Helen Brand, as Mr Cottam points out, “successful businesses need people from different social backgrounds, to make sure you bring a wide range of experience and attitudes”

To find out more about Women Making a Difference and the workshops and training schemes they offer, visit their website.