International Women’s Day is a global event that honours the remarkable achievements of women. This day is crucial as it not only recognises the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women but also serves as a powerful call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Women Taking the Lead

Research shows that only 8% of women find it easy to make their voices heard at work, and 68% are more likely than men to say they never feel comfortable expressing themselves in a work environment. These statistics underscore the urgent need to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces where women feel empowered to speak up. At Bupa, we’re addressing this need through our ‘Women Taking the Lead’ network, established by three women—Sandra (Head of People), Jane (Head of Customer Relations), and Sharon (Head of Strategic Accounts and Health Trusts).

The ambition of the network is to build a powerful and influential network of women who are catalysts for positive change, promoting equal representation and opportunities.

The Journey

The network was born from a desire to support women in navigating their careers at Bupa. In 2022, leaders Sharon, Jane, and Sandra created a plan and decided to start with a small initiative—a “fireside chat” with a handful of women discussing topics like introverted leadership, imposter syndrome, and loneliness in career progression. This simple yet powerful step led to the creation of the ‘Women Taking the Lead’ network. Now, the network has 800 members and is continuously growing every day.

Activities and Events

The network organises a variety of activities and events for its members, including:

• Monthly Power Hours: Featuring guest speakers who share their experiences and insights on various topics such as career challenges, personal growth, and top tips for success.
• Key Events and Workshops: Held at significant times of the year, these events cover topics like health, wealth, confidence, and imposter syndrome.
• Live and Online Events: Including International Women’s Day celebrations and other special occasions.
• Senior Breakfast Forum: A monthly gathering for senior leaders in the UK Insurance (UKI) region.
• Coaching Opportunities: Providing access to qualified coaches for personalised support.

The network collaborates closely with other diversity and inclusion initiatives within Bupa, such as the Dora network and our Be You network, to offer support, allyship, and sponsorship.

Getting Involved

Our employees can get involved with the network by reaching out to one of the network’s leaders. They will be added to the team’s chat and channel and receive invites to upcoming events.

The Future

The future of the network is bright and ambitious, with a strong focus on inclusivity, expanding its reach, address gender gaps, and supporting women at all career stages.

The network's initiatives are also shaped by the voices of its members. The 2024 survey revealed that members need help balancing work and personal life, building confidence, and advancing their careers. This survey will be repeated in 2025 to ensure the network continues to support and mentor its members effectively.

A Note from Our Women Taking the Lead

“Be yourself, believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Building a support network and community around you is invaluable, and it’s important to have fun along the way.” - Jane, Head of Consumer Retention.

''Be yourself and embrace your uniqueness, be brave by stepping out of your comfort zone, build a support network with mentors and sponsors, and most importantly, have fun.'' - Sharon, Head of Strategic Accounts and Health Trusts.

''Prioritise time for yourself and your personal development, even if it's just half an hour a week. Don't hesitate to put yourself out there and have conversations about your strengths and aspirations. Sometimes, magical things happen from a simple conversation." - Sandra, Head of People.