#POWiPL speed networking event – National Assembly marks International Women’s Day
28 February 2014
The National Assembly for Wales’s Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM, will welcome guests to a speed networking event in the Senedd on International Women’s Day on 7 March.
The event is part of the Presiding Officer’s #POWiPL campaign which aims to encourage more women to get involved in public life.
Dame Rosemary has invited chairs of boards of organisations to take part in short one-to-one discussions with Welsh businesswomen about how they can overcome barriers that prevent them from applying for boardroom positions.
The format of the event, which has been organised in partnership with Chwarae Teg, will enable businesswomen to have short sessions with several Chairs, mirroring a speed-dating type of event.
“Last month I launched the #POWiPL development scheme,” the Presiding Officer said.
“That aims to encourage more women to apply for public appointments, and other roles in public life, by providing mentoring, role-shadowing and training opportunities.
“This speed networking event is a part of this development programme, allowing Welsh businesswomen to learn from the experience of those already involved as chairs of boards of public bodies.
“More than half of the population are women but that’s not reflected on health boards, boards of school governors, in council chambers or on the boards of other public organisations.
“My #POWiPL campaign is about addressing that deficit and I hope this event will provide inspiration for more women to get involved.”
The Presiding Officer will make a welcome address which will be followed by speeches from Rebecca Jones, founder of the North Wales Women’s Network, and the Director of the CBI in Wales, Emma Watkins.
Rebecca Jones said: “I believe that businesswomen can provide great benefit to public bodies, community regeneration and political decision making, from their varied experiences.
“I hope to enable and inspire more women to develop and use their business skills to ensure a longer term future for organisations, both public and private, here in Wales.”
The speed networking event will begin at 08.00 and take place in the Senedd café but throughout the day the Neuadd area of the Senedd will also be doubling up as a marketplace for businesses run by women.
The Assembly is working in partnership with Chwarae Teg to bring their “Virtual Marketplace” scheme to life by inviting businesswomen to showcase their products on market-style stalls.