Empowering Women with Ground-Breaking findings: Project 28-40

Project 28-40: Woman are confident, strong, and believe in their own ability to lead. But what are the real barriers to progression. Project 28-40 reports and acts upon issues such as role models, maternity, and bullying/harrasment.

If you are serious about change, CEOs and senior leaders need to take the lead on women’s progression, moving this from a diversity initiative to a core business priority. Set aspirational targets for the numbers of women you want to see at each senior level in your organisation.

Prioritise the development of excellent managers at every level of your organisation

Create a truly agile organisation, with women and men able to work in a way that makes them productive and engaged. Look at job design, technology, agile teams, and defeat the flexible working stigma that holds women back. Allow for non linear careers – your top talent will have times in their lives they need to take a step back.

Recognise that harassment and bullying still occurs, despite well-meaning policies. Call it out, deal with perpetuators, and make it simple and straightforward to report.

28 – 40 women: Build your network – be in a position to know about opportunities as they come up. Get real on sponsorship – identify senior people who will advocate for you. If you want a mentor, ask them.

25,000 people, men and women took part in the Project 28-40 survey on women at work. This video discusses the key findings and gives an overview as to the actions your organisation can take to develop truly inclusive workplaces:

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

We are also officially recommended by Disability Confident as a step on achieving Employer status, please click here for more information.