Conference and expo highlights gender equity and social impact
The UK’s largest International Women’s Day event took place at Millennium Point - with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce supporting as an official partner.
The conference and expo featured a range of panel discussions, including topics such as gender equity, women in business and social impact.
Sophie Poduval-Morrell, manager of Future Faces, took part in the panel ‘Challenging Our Own Assumptions: Women, Stereotypes and a Modern Chamber’, as well as hosting two sessions.
Sophie said: “It was an honour to be surrounded by inspiring and authentic ladies who truly are living real life, challenging stereotypes and supporting each other. As we climb the career ladder, we need to lift each other up.
“I had the pleasure of hosting two panels and being a panellist. Fascinating to hear stories, advice and the impact these women are having.”
Lillian Elekan, director of membership at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, and Alicia Nelson, strategic relationship manager at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, also played an active role in the event.
Alicia Nelson joined Sophie Poduval-Morrell on the panel ‘Challenging Our Own Assumptions: Women, Stereotypes and a Modern Chamber’, while Lillian Elekan took part in the panel ‘Beyond the Buzzwords: What Gender Equity Looks Like on a Monday Morning’.
Both discussions explored how organisations can take meaningful action to support women in the workplace.
The event also spotlighted inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, including Kloe Avon, founder of Readihomes, who spoke about building her business from scratch and driving social impact.
She founded Readihomes after working on the streets of Birmingham, with the aim of helping individuals access social housing. She emphasised that women can build anything across any industry, adding that those in a position to support others should do so.
Another panel focused on equity in the workplace, with panellists discussing how it involves giving people the support they need to succeed.
PJ Ellis, a BBC radio presenter and co-founder of Wit+Grit spoke about his commitment to continuing to hire talented women in his businesses to help empower future generations.
He also raised the question of how organisations can create better cultures and provide more opportunities for progression.
PJ said: “It was a genuine privilege to speak at the IWD Expo on gender equity in Birmingham and beyond.
“The quicker we build fairer, more inclusive environments, the quicker we unlock real potential in people and places - and ultimately live better lives.”
