Where did all the women go?

She’s Back research project launched to highlight the value to be gained if organisations re-engage with the senior women they lost

How much could corporate Britain gain by attracting back some of the talented, experienced and qualified women who leave the workforce every year because the demands of a career and childcare just don’t fit? What happens to them? Why don’t they then come back when the children are older? Where do they go?

A major research initiative has been launched to identify and tackle the answers to these very questions. The research covers a breadth of industry sectors and asks women from all walks of life, who themselves have taken time off to complete the survey here

Lisa Unwin, founder of She’s Back, the organisation leading the programme, comments: “Businesses across Britain recognise the value in having a diverse workforce and specifically in having a good representation of women at senior levels. And some even set targets to prove they are serious about it, 25% of FTSE Board members to be women by 2015 being one of the most well known. But look around corporate Britain and you will see that whilst there has been progress, it is stubbornly slow.

“Gender diversity at leadership levels remains a difficult nut to crack. While one answer is attracting back to work the vast number of women that leave to look after their children, there are currently limited programmes available that help women to get back on the ladder, and at the right rung. This research survey will identify the actions that women and organisations can take to improve the situation.”

One early contributor added “You are definitely onto something here. Every woman I’ve spoken to about this has a tale to tell and a frustration about their wasted talents”.

The survey is focused on individual motivations and how, in understanding them, targeted programmes can be developed, which will ultimately improve the rate at which more mature women are able to fulfil their own potential and play active and leading roles in the economy. The survey seeks to answer the questions of what stops these women returning? What support would they require? And most importantly what practical steps could organisations take in order to attract these women back.

About She’s Back

She’s Back is a an organisation which enables experienced women to return to professional life after a long career break. She’s Back offers women the chance to become part of a like minded community which then offers guidance, support and training. Everything that these women need to develop the confidence, networks and capabilities vital for a fulfilling return to work. Crucially, this includes working with employers to find the roles, working practices and cultural factors that will work for everyone.

For more information contact:

Lisa Unwin