Gender Balance in Communications

Hanson Search were delighted to have Baroness Goudie help launch “Getting the Balance right” a study into the impact of maternity leave on the communications industry and its implications for positive change. She provided incredible insight into the challenges that women face and calls for a change – attitude, company culture, tax breaks and flexibility. She appealed to businesses not to lose talent women , to offer support and encourage women back into work especially when the UK and global economy needs bright, educated talent to drive business forward. She appealed to government for tax breaks where childcare can be offset against income.

Baroness Goudie is a senior member of the House of Lords and global advocate for the rights of women and children, with expertise in both global issues and corporate social responsibility. She is involved in promoting gender equity with both the G8 and G20, is also the Chair of the Women Leaders’ Council to Fight Human Trafficking at the United Nations, and is on the board of Vital Voices, where she has actively been involved in training community and business leaders and parliamentarians on both social and political issues around the world.

Baroness Goudie has been described as possessing a powerful combination of qualities and her work is recognised internationally. She has raised funds for the Labour party, worked for Borough council, and been a patron of the Community Foundation of Northern Ireland which benefits numerous charities. She was awarded the 2010 Global Power Award by the Center for Women Policy Studies, and appointed by Vital Voices Global Partnership and Bank of America as an ambassador for The Global Ambassadors Program in March 2012.

On her blog, (www.baronessgoudie.com), you can read about her thoughts on issues concerning women and children, with particular focus on human trafficking, human rights and the inclusion of women in peace negotiations.

By Alice Weightman