How has the pandemic affected women’s careers? And how can we create a post-pandemic recovery that enables and empowers women?
On Saturday 12 June the Newnham Associates welcomed the Woman of the Year organisation, now in its 66th year, for their annual lecture and panel discussion. Woman of the Year works to recognise, celebrate and inspire women of all backgrounds.
This year, former Senior Tutor and psychologist Dr Terri Apter introduced her research with The Female Lead’s Women at Work project.
After a year in which many parents have found themselves homeschooling, Dr Apter explored myths and truths about motherhood and its impact on career progression. She looked to the future, setting out ways to support young women at the start of their career journey – something that the Newnham Associates are particularly committed to. Dr Apter demonstrated how women are ‘freely and proudly ambitious’ with their career choices, and that individuals are determined to have a ‘high impact and challenging career’.
Building on Dr Apter’s talk, our distinguished discussion panellists were Kudsia Batool, Prof. Maria Misra, Dr Victoria Kimonides and Joley To. Julie Etchingham hosted with all her trademark effortless intelligence. An audience put forward a range of questions, and discussion ranged from gender equality in the home for childcare, to supporting young women taking maths at A Level.
Once again, our audience left the event feeling informed, involved, and fired up. We thank all our participants, and look forward to the 2022 Women of the Year lecture – which perhaps will take place in person!