International Women’s Day 2023
The mission ‘To forge inclusive work cultures where women's careers thrive and their achievements are celebrated’ is one of 7 missions of International Women’s Day 2023 and is the focus of the BCVS celebration of International Women’s Day this year
The national campaign has developed the hashtag and aim to #EmbraceEquity to encourage discussion about why a traditional approach to equal opportunities isn’t enough.
Equity as a concept recognises that people have different identities, challenges and experiences and a reflects the recognition that equality or treating people in the same way will not always enable equity.
It’s a small change in language that means a lot and in recognition of this BCVS will be changing all content on our website and social media from equality to equity.
At BCVS we are committed to equity across our staff team and learning is one of our core values as seen here in our strategy #WorkingTogether.
During 2022, 50% of the women working for BCVS have been supported to complete the Level 7 (Masters level) Women in Leadership Course with Nottingham Trent University which is a fantastic achievement.
Other women colleagues have completed a range of CPD training relevant to their roles including the Level 7 Diploma in Professional Public Relations completed by our Head of Marketing and Communications and the Level 7 Senior Leaders Degree Apprenticeship being undertaken by our POV Manager and BFIN Coordinator.
We continue to support equity for women across our workforce in 2023 through the wider work of our SIDE Staff Group (Sustainability, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) which has included menopause awareness training for staff and identification of menopause champions this year.
We know that women have complex identities and lives and as part of its commitment to equity BCVS will identify leads for other protected characteristics this year.
This will include a lead for LGBTQ+, Disability, and Age in addition to our current menopause and anti-racism leads to ensure we have a team that champions awareness and action in the multiple areas that affect women’s (and all) lives.
Our commitment to women, the entire BCVS team, and equity, is never just a one day event and runs throughout the year.
However it’s great to celebrate and recognise the work to develop and support BCVS women on International Women’s Day as a spotlight on our work 365 days a year.
Happy International Women’s Day 2023!