The challenges for women in business, Sandyford Business District

Lack of leadership roles and work-life balance are persistent challenges for women in business – Sandyford Business District

A lack of leadership roles and work-life balance have been highlighted as the most persistent challenges for women in business, as revealed in a survey carried out by Ireland’s largest Improvement District, Sandyford Business District (SBD), coinciding with International Women’s Day.

Women in business, insights from Sandyford Business District

At SBD’s annual ‘Women Who Lead: Inspiring Voices’ event last Thursday, the organisation conducted a survey of almost 100 attendees asking them what their biggest challenges are in business. The results of the research revealed;

• 41% of attendees identified a lack of leadership roles as the biggest  challenge for them;
• 35% expressed difficulty in achieving a satisfactory work-life balance;
• The gender pay gap emerged as a concern for 18% of respondents;
• 6% highlighted a lack of access to opportunities.

The findings will only serve to copper-fasten Sandyford Business District’s continued commitment to promoting women’s voices, while also fostering a supportive and inclusive business community of over 1,000 businesses.

Sheila Moore, Deputy Chair and Board Member of Sandyford BID CLG remarked: “While the survey underscores ongoing challenges, it is positive to note the significant representation of women in leadership roles across both multinational corporations and SMEs within the Sandyford Business District. Moreover, the survey indicates that the gender pay gap and access to opportunities are no longer predominant concerns. The district’s companies actively foster a supportive work environment, facilitating flexible arrangements such as remote working to promote work-life balance.

Our commitment remains steadfast in empowering women to reach their potential and we will continue to organise events that spotlight the accomplishments of dynamic women in the district.”

About Sandyford Business District

Sandyford Business District (SBID) is home to Mastercard, Microsoft, Vodafone, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Facebook, Google, BNP Paribas and AIB among a host of other companies.

The Business Improvement District company, Sandyford BID CLG trading as Sandyford Business District, was established in January 2017 to represent the entire business community in the Sandyford Business District. It provides support for existing businesses within SBID and those looking to relocate and invest in the area. It has achieved considerable progress since its inception.

The business clusters in the Sandyford Business District include 118 Information and Communication companies; 99 MedTech companies; 63 Fintech companies; 8 Energytech companies; 27 Autotech companies; 17 Education and Childcare facilities; 49 Hospitality companies; and 117 Retail and Leisure companies.

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