The entrepreneur will be joining NICEIC ceo Emma Clancy for a series of radio interviews today (October 9th) to promote the campaign which aims to encourage more women into the construction industry.
“Given my career in the traditionally male dominated industry of freight distribution, this campaign is very close to my heart,” said Hilary.
“I am proof that women can smash through gender stereotypes, climb to the top of any profession and truly excel at what they do. I am extremely passionate about breaking down barriers for women in the workplace and this is why I am lending my full support to this campaign with NICEIC.”
NICEIC says that Hilary’s backing comes at a time of increasing turbulence in the workplace. Recent research by NICEIC suggests women are feeling under-valued and overshadowed by their male counterparts.
As a result, many now see learning a skilled trade as the answer to beating the recession. The survey of 3,000 consumers reveals that women are still at a disadvantage in the workplace with nearly half (45 percent) stating they are treated differently to men who hold the same position at work. More than half of women polled (55 percent) also believe this shocking inequality has worsened since the recession.
Surprisingly, seven out of 10 women (70 percent) feel they are paid less than their male colleagues for doing the same role and a further three quarters (74 percent) wish that they had learned a skilled trade, as they say it would offer them greater flexibility in their working life.
Emma Clancy, chief executive officer of NICEIC, added: “During these challenging economic times, it seems more women are feeling side lined in their careers as they tackle looking after their family while working full time.
“As a result, many are now looking for a flexible option that will enable them to work around their hectic home life and taking-up a trade is an option we would urge them to consider.
“Our Jobs for the Girls initiative has already received MP support and widespread backing from female contractors and it’s with much personal passion and enthusiasm that I continue to head-up this campaign to encourage more women into the electrical contracting world.”
NICEIC has set up a dedicated website for anyone wanting to find out more about the campaign at www.jobsforthegirls.com or you can follow on twitter @JFTG_NICEIC.