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At the bright and welcoming Prototype & Play Lab space at the University of West England, Bristol, women, and men from across the UK gathered for WEAF’s inaugural Empowering Women in the Workplace event.
The networking session provided a forum for women and male allies within the UK aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors on how to strategise and support each other effectively at work.
Olivia Steel, Head of Supplier Management at Vertical Aerospace, inspired the room as she talked about her lived experience across her military and professional career. Olivia provided words of encouragement and advice on difficult conversations.
Wellness and Transformational Life Coach, Anna Reeve engaged the room on ways of managing wellbeing for success and tools on being kind to ourselves.
In the safe space topics included:
- Advocating for flexible work arrangements
- Navigating the difficulties of remote communication
- Establishing clear boundaries and fostering allyship
- The vital role of mentoring and internal networks, such as the Women’s Network and the Menopause Network, in supporting women
- Practical tips for self-compassion, setting boundaries, and maintaining relationships in hybrid work environments
- The importance of role modelling and addressing workplace issues promptly
Donna Kenny, Deputy Director, West of England Institute of Technology: “It was great to attend the Empowering Women in the Workplace event, a safe space for open discussion with fellow allies, both female and male. Addressing some of the common challenges faced, but most of all celebrating the amazing qualities we have and the impact we are having as leaders, advocates, allies and mentors in that push for equity. Representation is everything!”
WEAF will be hold its next session later this year. Covering topics of interest along the theme of Empowering Women in the Workplace, such as male allyship.
If you want to learn more, or have suggestions on topics to cover, please contact us at enquiries@weaf.co.uk