What is Women in Heritage?

Why we formed:

Women in Heritage formed in late 2007, aiming to create a support network for all women working, or hoping to work in the heritage industry.

We have noted that there are a host of complex issues for women working within the heritage sector. We believe that heritage taken as a whole is one of the most female friendly of industries, with small third-sector groups and private sector companies in particular offering flexible working hours and opportunities for women to reach the top of the profession. Therefore there is much to be celebrated in the sector where women are concerned.

However from observation of working within the sector, and engaging with colleagues in various heritage fields, we have evidence that whilst there are a great number of extremely inspiring, capable women in the top positions of heritage organisations, there are still issues which should be addressed. For instance, there is a gap in the number of female field archaeologists and other specialists in high positions, largely due to the drop in numbers of women diggers and specialist areas from 30 years of age onwards when women find it difficult to re-establish themselves after maternity.

It is clear that there is a great diversity of experience and opportunity within the sector, and that some job areas perform better than others in terms of equality and inclusion. However, we feel that a single support structure would be of value across the board, encouraging those in less fortunate positions, and increasing the accomplishments of all.

Our vision therefore is to offer services and resources to all women across the heritage sector to allow them to operate more effectively within their job area, to communicate with each other and to assist them towards a particular goal. Our aim is to address the variety of issues throughout the sector by the implementation of universally beneficial projects.

Mission:

Our primary objective is to offer a useful network and support to women throughout the heritage sector. We will do this by offering services and projects, holding events, and endeavouring to ensure that the role of women within the heritage workplace is celebrated and encouraged.

There is no group at this time which offers a broad range of services across the heritage world, bringing together a diverse range of professionals and interested individuals to share experience and support.

Women in Heritage will fulfil this role. Our principles are as follows:

• Women in Heritage will celebrate the role of women across the heritage sector, and encourage development and growth of skills and careers;
• Women in Heritage will provide a channel for wider dissemination and sharing of resources and good/best practice models to woman at all stages of their career;
• Women in Heritage will promote links between existing networks and organisations
• Women in Heritage will nurture a spirit of mutual respect and validation;
• Women in Heritage will be inclusive and encouraging of all people, regardless of ethnic origin or disability