International Women's Day: How can we support and empower women?

Author: Nadoya Reid, former communications officer at the National Association of Local Councils

International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, reflect on the progress made towards gender equality, and consider what can be done to create a truly inclusive workplace. This year, we asked the women at the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) to share their views on two key questions:

1. How does our organisation support and empower women, and what more could we do?
2. What advice would you give to women starting their careers or aspiring to work or lead in local government?

Their insights offer valuable perspectives on how we can make progress and what we need to do better. At NALC, we will commit to fostering a culture of equity and inclusivity, ensuring that women at all levels feel empowered to thrive.

How are we supporting women?

We've taken several steps to support women across the organisation. For example:

• White Ribbon campaign — Our support of the White Ribbon campaign demonstrates our responsibility to tackle gender-based violence and create safe spaces for everyone.
• Menopause policy — We've introduced a menopause policy that acknowledges some women's challenges and ensures appropriate workplace support.
• Personal safety and lone working training — We've provided training from Suzy Lamplugh on personal safety and lone working to female and male staff to encourage discussions about safety and support in the workplace.
• Flexible and hybrid working — We support women by allowing flexible and hybrid working patterns to help accommodate family responsibilities. Female staff have noted that allowing flexibility for childcare means they can continue working, demonstrating how important these policies are in practice.

However, we know there's more to do. We are reminded that creating a supportive environment means listening to women, taking action when concerns are raised, and ensuring everyone feels heard and respected.

What more should we do?

While these are steps in the right direction, we recognise that further progress is needed.

We need to promote gender diversity at all levels of the organisation, including leadership roles, which can affect decision-making and have an impact. The increasing number of women in local government leadership was highlighted, which is encouraging. However, it acknowledges that women still face additional scrutiny compared to men.

There is also more to do to ensure our committees are representative. To ensure true equality, we must continue challenging outdated biases and provide clear pathways for women into leadership roles. Leadership at many councils is still largely male-dominated, and more needs to be done to change this.

Advice for women forming a path in local government

We also asked for advice for those starting their careers or aspiring to lead in local government. Here's what we found:

• Speak up about your ambitions — Encourage women to be vocal about their goals and seek environments that align with them. Finding an employer that supports continuous learning and development can make all the difference.
• Go for it — Embrace new challenges, and don't let fear hold you back. Women may face scrutiny and comments that men usually wouldn't. Still, support is always available from those who have walked a similar path.
• Build confidence — Confidence in your abilities is key to overcoming workplace challenges and unhelpful attitudes.
• Find supportive networks — Emphasise the importance of collaboration in local government. Build a strong network of mentors and colleagues who will champion your growth and inspire you to succeed.
• Learn from both good and bad leadership — It is just as important to learn how not to lead from poor managers as to follow the example of those who empower and support you.
• Seek role models — Have a mentor who can inspire you to grow and succeed. Look for women leaders whose qualities you admire and aspire to emulate.
• Connecting with organisations — For those exploring a career in local government, it's worth connecting with organisations like ElectHer, which supports women aspiring to become councillors, and the Local Government Association, which provides valuable resources and career guidance.

What can men do to support women?

Gender equality is not just a women's issue it requires collective effort. Men play a vital role in fostering inclusivity and ensuring fairness in the workplace. There are several ways male colleagues can be better allies. Here are a few to get you started:

• Attend training sessions and discussions to better understand gender dynamics.
• Actively support women's professional development by encouraging them to pursue leadership opportunities.
• Challenge biases when you see them and advocate for fair and equitable treatment.  

Leadership requires authenticity, decisiveness, and fairness. Men can contribute by creating an environment where women feel safe, valued, and empowered to lead.

Looking ahead

This International Women's Day, we encourage everyone to reflect on how they can contribute to a more equitable future. At NALC, we commit to listening, learning, and taking action to support women in local government. Together, we can build a workplace and community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

So, how will you support and empower women today?

The following blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the National Association of Local Councils. Any links to external sources included in this blog post are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or approval of those websites' content, products, services, or policies. Therefore, readers should use discretion and judgment when applying the information to their circumstances. Finally, this blog post may be updated or revised without notice.