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A NEW network aimed at bringing together Isle of Man businesswomen has been launched by business advisory firm Deloitte.
The firm’s senior partner Sarah Sanders said: "Deloitte Isle of Man Women’s Network will offer businesswomen the opportunity to share their ideas and views, identify strong mentors in order to support them to adapt and grow in their professional lives and create networking opportunities for the next generation of women in business."
She was speaking at the launch of the organisation at a reception organised by Deloitte to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day which was attended by businessmen and women along with Treasury Minister Anne Craine MHK and Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK.
Mrs Craine said: "Women can certainly succeed in the Isle of Man on their own merits but we can also benefit from and appreciate the guidance and support of other women in similar professional circumstances.
"It is often that such support is all important in encouraging us to carry on in whatever our field of work may be."
Ms Sanders, who became a Deloitte equity partner last year, was born and educated in the Island and has spent the majority of her professional life here.
She added: "I believe that I have always been supported and encouraged by those around me internally within Deloitte and externally in the local marketplace.
"Our network, therefore, provides the opportunity for me personally to share this positive experience with other local businesswomen."
She told guests: "The aim of our network is to support you as Isle of Man businesses and government in developing a diverse pool of talent within your individual organisations.
"We have an excellent track record of attracting and retaining talented women within our organisation here in the Isle of Man and currently our senior management team comprises over 50 per cent women.
"I am very proud of what we have achieved when global statistics show that although women account for half of graduate entries in companies, by the time these women reach their mid to late thirties the population has reduced significantly so that when you look at women in senior positions at either board or partnership level they account for around only 10 to 20 per cent.
"Research shows that career breaks are a contributing factor to this.
"As a firm we fully understand the importance of diversity within every organisation and the benefits which it brings.
"It is becoming increasingly clear that diverse perspectives and experience are critical to solving complex problems and innovating in the midst of rapidly changing conditions.
"In reality, the question is not women or men, it is how to ensure women and men are working together in decision-making roles."
Deloitte Isle of Man Women’s Network is planning to run its first event in early summer.
Ms Sanders said herself and the team are very encouraged by the level of support they have already received from many senior women in the marketplace.
