The Ulster Farmers’ Union is encouraging members to avail of the numerous career building opportunities offered by Women in Business (WIB). The UFU’s new partnership with the business network will enable female members to develop skills to start and grow their own business or develop their careers progressing into leadership roles, the union said.
The comments were made ahead of WIB’s Spotlight on Success conference, taking place on Thursday 5 December at Crowne Plaza, Belfast.
UFU deputy president, Victor Chestnutt said: “In Northern Ireland we have a unique farm family structure which has women at its core. We have joined forces with WIB to ensure that our female members have the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence and progress into leadership roles.
“Women have worked consistently in the background for far to long. We encourage them to come to the forefront and take advantage of WIB’s fantastic career building opportunities. Not only will this benefit them as individuals, but their professional growth will have a knock-on effect on our farming industry and ultimately on our economy. The partnership with WIB was launched at our very successful Women in Agriculture conference which recognised and celebrated the contributions women make to the agriculture industry. Now, the next goal is to achieve better diversity on our committees. We will continue to urge all our female members to get more involved in the UFU.”
Commenting on the new partnership Roseann Kelly, chief executive of WIB said: “The Ulster Farmers Union have a very clear and positive mission statement: ‘To serve its members by promoting and supporting a vibrant and sustainable rural economy where agriculture is secure and pivotal to its future.’ This strong mission statement resonates with Women in Business as we too work relentlessly to build a sustainable, more diverse economy that will enable the members within our business community to reach their maximum potential. We are very excited to partner with the UFU and look forward to working with them and to making a difference on the promotion of gender equality in workplaces and businesses throughout Northern Ireland.”
Anyone interested in attending WIB’s Spotlight on Success conference, should contact WIB to register. Phone 08456076041 or book online via the WIB website.