TGt Meets...Ceri Baker, Curriculum Manager at Bath College - IWD Special

Ceri Baker, Curriculum Manager Health, Science, Engineering at Bath College. Read below to see what we spoke about with Ceri for International Women's Day 2021.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #choosetochallenge – what would you choose to challenge when it comes to gender equality or inequality this year? 

Child marriage is one the most devastating examples of gender inequality, there should be no place for this in the World!

Thinking of your own experience in the world of business – which inequalities, if any, have you experienced personally or witnessed around gender?

I once asked for feedback from a past line manager as to why I was unsuccessful at an internal interview, I wasn’t expecting the response I had but he replied it was because I chose to wear a dress and that a suite would have made me look more professional. 

Have you during your career ever challenged a situation where you felt a woman (even it’s yourself) has been disadvantaged by gender?

In my Career I am surrounded by competitive people who have a passion for sport, could I have been disadvantaged? Possibly and most likely but I would never challenge based on gender, my thoughts are to get one step ahead of the game, be an inspiration and embrace the competitive environment. I am sure I have had to worker but that only prepares me for the next steps.

What do you think women offer in particular to the world of business?

I would like to think Men and Women can offer different qualities that would benefit the World of Business, but I would say women are resilient, loyal to their employer and determined to accelerate the success of the company to benefit the company.  

Is gender important when it comes to success in business?

Yes, I feel that without a balance a business will highlight its weaknesses.

Can you name up to three women in business or in your organisation or in the wider business community that you admire? 

My Netball Coach as a child – She instilled the drive to win, to be the best that you can be, to hate to lose but to learn from it and she was totally ruthless on selection so you had to give 100%, anything less wasn’t good enough.

Do you think women who start their own business experience more challenges than men? Can you explain why you think this?

I think it depends on the line of business, trades etc are recommended through word of mouth and having good contacts, this naturally puts Women at a disadvantage but I would say to be successful at business except who you are, set yourself a goal and jump over any hurdles that you face.

What do you think about the gender pay gap? 

Frustratingly, statistics indicate that there is a huge and unacceptable pay gap and I will not accept any attempt to justify this issue. Time for it change!

What do you think about the International Women’s Day movement?

I have a huge amount of respect in the history of International Women’s Day and feel that the day is necessary to recognise the progress women have made and to continue to highlight the gap that stills needs to be challenged.

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