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Jackson Square’s female workers speak out for equality on International Women’s Day




Jackson Square’s female workers are celebrating International Women’s Day on Friday (March 8) by highlighting how they are speaking up to shatter sexist stereotypes.

Each year, the global event focuses on issues including reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women and equality.

The Bishop’s Stortford shopping centre employs several women blazing a trail through male-dominated sectors.

Right, operations manager Corrina Savage and her assistant, Hayley Harris, left
Right, operations manager Corrina Savage and her assistant, Hayley Harris, left

Operations manager Corrina Savage and her assistant, Hayley Harris, said: “As we mark another International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women of the centre who

continue to challenge the narrative and pave the way for positive change.”

The pair have 16 years combined experience in property management and said they were “ not short of a story or two of gender bias”.

Kim Stock, the shopping centre’s soft services manager
Kim Stock, the shopping centre’s soft services manager

They said: “From dealing with contractors who often ignore us, looking for the male in the room, to being referred to as our male boss’s secretary, conscious or unconscious bias never stops surprising us.

“This, however, never goes unchallenged. We are strong believers in speaking up when faced with these adversities and, though not our job to educate everyone on why these behaviours are problematic, the more we talk about it, the more it will help other women to feel seen and not alone in the workplace.

“The male members of the team at Jackson Square, for example, have become allies through simple actions like taking part in menopause courses or correcting misogynist language used around them.

“These small actions form a bigger picture that, in turn, supports us to thrive in our roles.”

Shannon Smith, technical operations support manager
Shannon Smith, technical operations support manager

Kim Stock, the shopping centre’s soft services manager, added: “In a world where women continue to face challenges in the workplace, from being questioned about their authority to encountering gender bias during meetings, it is disheartening that such experiences persist. “As someone who grew up surrounded by strong, male influences, I have learned to navigate these situations, but it remains a source of frustration.

“It is time for a world where women can thrive without the need to prove their worth.”;

Shannon Smith, technical operations support manager, continued: “In a male-dominated industry, fostering progressive mindsets and inclusive behaviours involves actively promoting gender diversity and equality.

“Moving forward, we need to see more advertisements of women in male-dominated careers. This can be done through schooling, networking programmes or the television.

“We want to create an environment where our future daughters can thrive and succeed regardless of gender.

“This means continuing to break down barriers, providing equal opportunities for training

and a better culture of respect in the workplace. I am a big believer that more needs to be done in the education sector to expose our younger female generation to the careers that we women do.

As an ex-commercial gas engineer, on numerous occasions, I had arrived on a call-out and when I was liaising with my point of contact, they did not believe that I was there for the boiler call-out, but I never let situations like that affect me.

“It’s all down to lack of representation. I know every day society is evolving, but there is still a long way to go.”

Kyah Blair, trainee quantity surveyor, noted: “Having been raised by a father who dedicated his life to the construction industry, and with my partner also pursuing a career in this field, I found myself inspired to explore opportunities within construction during a career transition.

“The unwavering support from these influential individuals in my life has reinforced my belief in the potential for positive change.

“I envision a future where the increasing presence of women in the construction industry fosters a culture of inclusivity, breaking away from the traditional male dominance and eliminating gender restrictions.”



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