This Is Guernsey

By Tom Edwards

GENDER inequality still exists in the business world today despite advances in attitudes, according to a global finance industry commentator.

Dr Libby Assasi addressed members of the Women in Professions Group on the matter. Dr Assasi writes regularly on subjects ranging from women and the historical roots of finance to sex trafficking and mail-order brides.

She said the success of Guernsey’s senior businesswomen was testament to their determination. ‘Although we all know just how much society’s attitude towards businesswomen has changed, the divide between those women and men in the same position is still vast and it is only when you stop to think that you realise how wide that gap still is.

‘It’s very important to remember that inequality still exists and in some areas of the world, the statistics are still at levels that shock us.’

Dr Assasi, whose visit to Guernsey was sponsored by KPMG, told her audience that women generally work longer hours because they run a household after getting home from the office.

‘Women also on average earn 17% less than men, with part-time workers earning a massive 37% less per hour than men in the same role.

‘Despite their hard work, they also rarely make it to senior management, with the latest figures showing that in the FTSE 100, only one woman has made it to CEO.

‘However, on the positive side, things are changing and the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organisation are now all looking at gender issues and women’s rights are pushing their way up the agenda. Women are on the move.’

Institute of Directors chairman Shelagh Mason said while

statistically there would appear to be a salary gap, women who go into business themselves did not seem to be affected in the same way.

‘They are often highly motivated and overcome many obstacles that defeat even their male counterparts,’ she said.

‘There is a realisation that if women not only want to work but have a career, it is now acceptable and that to ignore their talents is to cut off 50% of a limited skills pool, particularly here in Guernsey.’

There are proportionally fewer senior businesswomen in Guernsey than the UK but much of that was a product of timing, said Mrs Mason.

‘It takes time to get to the top and we are now seeing many successful middle-aged women who can be role models to our younger generation.

‘Female membership of the IoD has grown as more women reach senior positions and run their own businesses.’

Times have changed and there is no longer as much pressure on women to choose between a career and a family, said Mrs Mason.

‘I am a product of the 80s in career terms, when to have a family was often seen as an alternative and meant being passed over for promotion, but for those without a family, the opportunities were there for the taking, which I did.

‘However, today the choices are more personal, allowing families to make their own decisions and men and women to tailor their careers around a family life.

‘This still does not mean it’s easy and, ironically, I believe it puts more pressure on men as the playing field levels out.’

Article posted on 5th June, 2008 - 2.29pm