LEP marks International Women's Day 2023 by promoting equality and diversity

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is celebrating International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8 March with a pledge of continued support for gender equality and diversity in all aspects of its work.

The LEP spearheads a range of innovative projects across the Solent, including some that pave the way for women’s careers, encouraging them to consider business sectors traditionally dominated by men. It has in recent years offered peer networks for female entrepreneurs and business leaders, while also promoting ethnic diversity inclusiveness - all with the aim of bringing economic success and job creation right across all communities in the region.

Brooke Hoskins, LEP Director and Skills Lead said: "International Women’s Day is a good opportunity to highlight that the Solent LEP understands how important it is that our work recognises gender equality in the Solent and beyond.

“We are proud of our track record in delivering opportunities and offering support to people of all genders and backgrounds. Our Solent Careers Hub team engage with young people in the region by connecting with schools and colleges, helping them to ensure that their curriculum is relevant to the sector strengths of the local economy.

“We know that many girls don’t consider careers in science, technology, engineering, or maths (STEM) for example, so we are actively working to connect girls with STEM careers and introducing them to some of the women already successfully working in these sectors.

“We hope the Solent LEP’s work towards developing a world-class diverse talent base in the region will inspire all our young people, who are the potential future workforce, of the vast opportunities that exist in the Solent.”

In January, Year 10 girls from Oasis Mayfield and Bitterne Park School learned more about the different STEM careers available on a visit to Ocean Infinity, the Solent-based technology company, at an event organised by the Solent LEP Careers Hub. This month, the LEP is launching the Maritime Education Engagement Project, in partnership with Maritime UK Solent, to encourage more young people to consider maritime sector careers.

The LEP’s general business support programmes are well-attended by women with 38% female participants in 2021: 2% above the national average.

With a high proportion of women employees and a gender-balanced Board, currently led by Interim Chair Rachael Randall, the LEP is committed to shaping a prosperous future for the next generation and bringing about positive change for everyone. It is currently seeking a new Chair to help deliver its Solent 2050 vision for the region and welcomes applications from business leaders from all backgrounds.

Find out more here.