New Initiative to Increase Number of Women Entrepreneurs in Wales
I hate to say it, but… I’ve been sounding the alarm on this issue for years. The under-representation of women in entrepreneurial roles is a topic very close to my heart. Those who know me well have heard me advocating tirelessly. Finally, the Welsh Government has stepped up, acknowledging what many of us have been shouting from the rooftops: over 50% of the workforce has suffered marginalization for far too long.
The Equal Pay Act
While I welcome this long-overdue acknowledgment, I’m also filled with disappointment and frustration. How could it take authorities so long to recognise a problem that has persisted for decades? It’s been over half a century since The Equal Pay Act and the Dagenham women’s strike.
The Equal Pay Act, 1970, prohibited any less favourable treatment between men and women. However, as statistics continue to show, there is still an imbalance. The Welsh Governments initiative in 2019 (above), to increase the number of women business entrepreneurs, certainly helped to change the balance. The Rose Review progress review 2022 certainly showed, despite the pandemic, progress. 134 Institutions, investing nearly £1trillion are now signed up to the Investing in Women Code.
However, women still face underpayment and severe underrepresentation in senior management roles and beyond. The CMI (Chartered Management Institute) found, in 2022, that only 41% of management jobs in the UK are held by women. This falls further to 38% when looking at women in senior business leading positions.
The Fight Continues
Therefore, the fight for gender equality in the workplace is far from finished. Yes, we’ve made progress, but there’s still a lot of ground to cover. It’s time for concrete action, not just empty words. We need meaningful policies and a genuine commitment to levelling the playing field. In May 2022 the Government launched a taskforce to increase the number of female entrepreneurs by half by 2030. This is equivalent to nearly 600, 000 female entrepreneurs.
As a female entrepreneur myself, Founder and owner of Nail Divas, I am delighted that changes are still being made. So, let’s turn this bittersweet victory into a catalyst for real change. Let’s ensure that future generations won’t have to endure the same struggles and injustices. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to thrive.
Conclusion
The journey toward true equality may be challenging, but every step forward brings us closer to a brighter, fairer future for all. Rest assured, I’ll continue to speak out, advocate, and fight until that future becomes a reality. Because the under-representation of women in entrepreneurial roles is my passion. Enough is enough. It’s time for action, not just words.
