Why we need female role models
Turning up to speak at a decile one school in Northland recently, I was surprised at the reception I got. The children were overly excited to see me. ‘‘It’s just you’re not from the police or social work,’’ the principal said with a sense of sadness.
I don’t think we can ever underestimate the impact of fronting up and opening the eyes of young people – young women in particular – to opportunities they never knew were possible.
While we definitely need to see more of our exceptional women in business sitting around the leadership and board tables, for me it’s equally important that young women and girls get to see strong, ambitious, successful female role models in their lives.
I challenge women in leadership to step outside the comfort zone of their own networks and reach out wider to offer support. If I amapproached to mentor someone I give priority to women I don’t know. Those are the women who have had the courage to reach out. They may be the women who don’t have other options.
We talk a lot about diversity in business, a greater range of people visible in organisations – but it will only make a powerful difference when coupled with inclusion. To be truly inclusive we need to be ensuring the diverse voices of our organisations are being heard and have equal power.
Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see women shine – to have their amazing work highlighted and celebrated through initiatives like the Women of Influence. I encourage exceptional female leaders to join the Sir Peter Blake Trust Dream Team. Now in its sixth year the Dream Team, led by the Governor General, takes a group of inspirational Kiwi leaders into schools and inspires tens of thousands of young New Zealanders to dream big, then get out there and make it happen.
Having just celebrated its 15th year, theYWCA Future Leaders programme needs to be singled out as making an impressive difference for under privileged women. In the very first year of the programme I took the young woman I was mentoring for YWCA in to my office, which was based at Fletcher Building, after hours. She watched amazed when my swipe card opened doors to the whole building. Such an everyday action that takes on a whole new level of meaning to someone who previously had little aspiration.
Career tips Sarah often gives women she is mentoring:
Be proactive with developing your career and sense of self.
Don’t undersell your abilities and achievements.
If you lack confidence be courageous.
Learn to be an engaging public speaker.
Help others along on their journey.
- Sarah Trotman, ONZM, is Director of Business Relations at AUT’s Faculty of Business, Economics and Law.