Why aren’t there more women in senior roles in learning? This question, based on research by Donald H Taylor on women in the industry, has provoked a lot of debate in the past few weeks, culminating in a special panel session at Learning Technologies 2019. The stats (below) are stark. So what’s to be done?
I was privileged to chair this panel, originally the brain child of Sharon Claffey Kaliouby, which included leading ladies in learning Lorna Matty, Mirjam Neelen and Niki Virdee. We discussed a broad range of topics: Is the issue to do with organisational design? Are there simply not enough senior roles in learning to go around? Or do women hold themselves back? Everything from ambition to leadership skills was discussed – we were delighted to be joined by some gentlemen in the room too – and the great thing about the session was its positivity and practicality. No gender bashing, no wringing of hands, but women who are simply keen to be their best selves at work. There will be a recording available soon, so this post isn’t designed to be a direct recap (although I do still plan to write up my reflections – these are still percolating!)
What happened within the session was great, but what’s started to happen since is even more exciting. We’re moving beyond paying lip service to this important issue, to some real action. There are events and podcasts being planned and a real appetite to share experiences, insights, tips, advice, books…the list is endless! I have already discovered some eye opening and educational resources since the event and really wanted to be able to do more to share these more widely.
Also, one of the recurring themes in the Learning Technologies session and in the reading and listening I have been doing, is around the benefits of networking. To anyone that knows me, this is something I advocate very strongly and do my best to support during industry events and online. So, to that end, I’ve set up a new LinkedIn group Women in Learning to keep the momentum going. You can join here (it’s open to everyone – MEN TOO – but you have to request to join because that’s how LinkedIn operates groups now). And there, thanks to the brilliant team at StoryTagger, we’ve got already got some videos with advice and tips in from women in learning on what helps them succeed. We’ll be sharing via the hashtag #WomeninLearning from today, and later this month, Sharon will feature on Learning Now TV to talk more about what’s going on. It’s all very formative but the hope is that this group provides a jumping off point for sharing ideas and creating new connections.
And with it being International Women’s Day, hopefully this is good timing to get this ball rolling. I hope to see you there and look forward to progressing the conversation across our industry.
Learning as I go... 