Published: February 14, 2018
2018 marks 100 years since Parliament passed the 1918 Representation of the People Act which allowed some women, and all men, to vote for the first time, and although we have come a long way since then, the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Report found that gender parity is still over 200 years away.
Meaning that there has never been a more important time to join the International Women’s Day 2018 call to action and #PressforProgress
Unity Trust Bank, a commercial bank whose mission is to help create a better society, and the Employee Ownership Association, voice of employee ownership in the UK, have partnered to create an event that celebrates International Women’s Day by taking a closer look at ‘Profit with Purpose’: Empowering women through responsible business and employee ownership.
With 41% of social enterprises led by women, and companies with women holding a minimum of 30% of leadership roles 1.4x more likely to have sustained, profitable growth, ‘Profit with Purpose’ will explore the role women have to play in helping build a fairer society through responsible business practices.
Held at the British Library, London, the morning event will feature keynote speaker Baroness Thornton, Labour Life Peer, Shadow Spokesperson for Health and former CEO The Young Foundation, and an interactive panel of expert speakers:
· Dr Rebecca Harding, Economist
· Virginia Mead-Herbert, Director of Childbase Partnership
· Chrysta Poppitt, Senior HR Director of Turley
· Alison Reid, CEO of Community Dental Service
Margaret Willis, CEO Unity Trust Bank explains:
“2018 is the centenary of women gaining the right to vote in the UK, but we are still a long way from true gender parity. As CEO of a bank that focuses on delivering positive social impact, not simply maximising profit, I’m a passionate advocate for responsible business driving real, lasting change.
Inclusive businesses not only better reflect the communities they serve, but also report more sustained, profitable growth. At Unity, 57% of our Executive Committee are women, which is just one of the reasons why on 8th March we are inviting you to join us to celebrate ‘Profit With Purpose’.”
Deb Oxley, CEO EOA, adds:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Unity Trust Bank for International Women’s Day as we believe that employee owned businesses profit with purpose which not only drives excellent results but also empowers employees equally.
Creating more diversity in the business mix with employee ownership as part of that will support the #PressForProgress for all employees and in doing so continue to support women in taking leadership roles in businesses.”
For more information email marketing@unity.co.uk
