TGt Meets...Farha Rasul, Curriculum Manager at Bath College - IWD Special

Farha Rasul, Curriculum Manager at Bath College. Read below to see what we spoke about with Farha 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? This could be in business or life in general.

I would challenge equal access to training, exposure to opportunities that will help support women to progress, without assumptions being made about their skills, knowledge and ambition. Inequality manifests itself in many ways in business and life and unconscious bias plays a huge part as these have been embedded into society historically. Although, lots has been done to positively move this on, many issues still exist below the surface, these barriers and in-equalities are even greater for women from BAME backgrounds.

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

In my personal and professional life I have experienced inequalities in pay due to my gender and assumptions being made relating to my career ambitions due to my ethnic background.

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

Yes, I have challenged situations as I feel no one should be disadvantaged or not have access to the same opportunities due to gender. Diversity and inclusiveness within business is fundamental for its success.

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

I cannot pinpoint particulars that women offer when kit comes to business as there is so much that can be discussed. However, improving diversity in the labour market participation to allow for women contribution will definitely help economically and socially. Empowering women to reach their potential would be my priority. Lets remove the glass ceiling all together rather than discussing breaking it.

Is gender important when it comes to success in business?

I don’t think gender is important it what an individual can bring to a position. Each person is valuable in terms of their own skills, personality and experience; gender parity is vital with equal access to training and opportunities.

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

I believe all successful women have qualities to be admired and are inspirational in different ways. I am learning from my female colleagues everyday which has and continues to influence my experience and approach.

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

I feel the challenges would be the same as discussed previously.

What do you think about the gender pay gap? 

I feel this is still an issue to be addressed and businesses need to make equality a strategic objective to close the gap. A culture of open and safe communication will encourage debate on this subject and allow leaders to identify and correct gender inequality in pay.

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

I think it’s a great movement which continues to keep the inequality issues on the horizon, as well as championing the successes of women across the globe, women have made outstanding contributions to business, science and much more. Many advancements involved women as much as men and this needs to be celebrated whilst challenging the issues so we can strive to achieve an equilibrium.

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