Women 1st calls on industry to support scheme to challenge gender dynamics

The head of Women 1st, People 1st's campaign to raise the number of women working in senior roles in the tourism and visitor economy sector, is calling on the hospitality industry to get behind the government-run Think, Act, Report scheme.

Simone Roche, director at Women 1st, said that the scheme, which encourages companies to think about the gender dynamics in their workplace, act on any shortcomings they find and report their progress, was critical to banishing out of date attitudes and stereotypes in the workplace.

Supported by Prime Minister David Cameron, the partnership of British Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of British Industry, the scheme has already engaged with leading businesses such as Tesco, BT and RBS.

Roche said: "The feedback from employers, if reported honestly, indicates good CSR practice and healthy workplace ethics, imperative for any organisation. It also means that companies are fully using women's skills - essential in this globally competitive environment."

Women 1st is encouraging businesses to register prior to Thursday, 2 October, in order to be included in the third-year report due for release in November.

Roche said there is no cost for businesses to sign up. "A simple five minutes spent on the registration process will accelerate the progress of gender equality in the workplace. Women 1st wants to see this acceleration take the country by storm. In early November, the Minister for Women and Equalities will launch a three-year progress report showcasing the businesses that have exemplified best practice. By offering support and guidance for existing registered businesses and praising those involved, the message remains positive and the movement makes waves."

She added: "Our partners Sodexo, Merlin and easyJet have registered and we're hopeful that more companies from the hospitality, passenger transport, travel, tourism and retail sectors will follow suit. By utilising the Think, Act, Report framework businesses and support from Women 1st we bridge the equality gap between men and women by promoting a positive, encouraging message equality is good for business."

Debbie White, chief executive officer at Sodexo, commented: "We support the Think, Act, Report framework as all three steps are important to create an inclusive and fair workplace and this is totally aligned to Sodexo's values. It also holds organisations of whatever type accountable for their performance in this area."

To register your organisation's support, visit the Government Equalities Office website http://tinyurl.com/mbndosh.

For more information on Women 1st www.women1st.co.uk.