Empowering our women all year round
We’re rapidly approaching the first year anniversary of our Women of Barts Health network; what a year!
What started as an idea over a coffee with a like-minded colleague has blossomed into a fabulous network of positive advocates for change. Our mission has been to create a safe, collaborative environment that supports and connects our staff and stimulates the debate.
Other Barts Health networks were our role-model and had already demonstrated how powerful and influential they could be. The networks also won an award at the Barts Health Heroes event last month, a very proud moment!
At our inaugural event on International Women’s Day last year, there was such a buzz in the room, we knew we were onto something good.
One year on, we have had over 150 women and men (and one baby!) come to our events. Here, women shared their personal stories, journey’s and challenges - our events have been open space for all to inspire and empower one another.
We’ve also started a series of ‘life-hacks’ sessions e.g. coaching skills, managing conflict in the workplace, boosting self-confidence.
Our events have rotated across sites and are a place to come together, network, learn and have fun.
Don’t just take out word for it; here are what some of our members said:
“Recently, I’ve been most excited by the appointment of our network site leads who have a real passion for understanding how they can better connect staff to make a positive change – look out for our stalls next week on International Women’s Day, where we’ll be launching our new logo and asking for feedback about how we can help and understand the obstacles preventing staff from doing their best.”
So it’s all moving in the right direction; our only frustration comes from doing this alongside our day jobs so please bear with us if you’d like things to be progressing faster and do sign up to our network if you’d like to be part of the change.
Upcoming event
- Female Pioneers, St Bartholomew’s, 7 March 2019 (ticketed event only via eventbrite)
- Atrium stands across our sites marking International Women’s Day on 8 March 2019
- Royal College of Pathology, 4 April 2019 (further information on WeShare from 8 March 2019)
Lucie Jaggar, director of procurement and e-commerce and chair of women’s network