Ladies’ lunch to be repeated following success of conference event

The ladies’ networking lunch that kicked off the annual conference is likely to become a regular fixture after exceptionally positive feedback.  The event, whose aim was to raise the profile of women in the risk management profession, was attended by over 100 delegates.

Guest speaker Julia Graham, a former Airmic chair and the current FERMA president told them Julia Graham told them: "It’s important for women to use their special position in our profession to go out and make a difference, not to rely on others to bring about change."

Gender diversity, Graham added, is about “celebrating the fact that we bring something different. Individually and collectively we can make a difference to the gender balance.”

Incoming Airmic chair Helen Pope, who attended the lunch, has said she is keen to attract more women to the Airmic academy and other Airmic events. She believes that understanding why female participation has typically lagged, will be an important part of that process.

Research conducted by Airmic found that, although 40% of members are women, they are under-represented at industry events.