International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across all industries, including education. From the classroom and beyond, women have long played a vital role in shaping the sector, yet leadership positions remain largely male-dominated.
The Education Network, a specialist education recruitment company, is committed to bridging this gap by working alongside inspiring educators who advocate for inclusivity and demonstrate the importance of strong female role models.
Breaking barriers in education recruitment
Vikki Lowrey, director at The Education Network, has built a successful 17-year career in recruitment while balancing motherhood. Throughout her career, Vikki has shown that women can excel in leadership roles while managing both parental and professional responsibilities.
As a single mother in a demanding industry, Vikki offers valuable insight into the changes needed in education recruitment. She is passionate about increasing female leadership in the sector. “Although the education workforce is predominantly female, leadership roles are still largely held by men. It’s time to change that; we need more women in leadership roles.”
Inspiring the next generation
Strong female role models in education, both in teaching and recruitment, are crucial for inspiring young women. Courtney Munro, compliance administrator at The Education Network, emphasises this point: “Having strong female teachers motivates young women to push themselves, work hard and aspire to success.”
Courtney, who transitioned from a teaching background to The Education Network, highlights the importance of strong leaders: “When I first joined The Education Network, I was supported and trained by a highly skilled female colleague. Having strong mentors can make a huge difference to a person’s confidence and sense of belonging.”
As an integral member of the compliance team, Courtney now trains new recruits and ensures that candidates have a smooth journey through the recruitment process. “It’s incredibly rewarding to get a candidate registered, cleared for work and placed in a role within a week. That kind of impact makes for a positive experience for both the candidate and the client.”
The future of women in education recruitment
While women are well-represented in education recruitment, Vikki believes there’s still progress to be made. “In order to drive meaningful change, we must rethink hiring strategies to eliminate unconscious bias and champion more women in leadership roles.”
Courtney is excited about her future with The Education Network, “The role of a compliance administrator is always changing, and I look forward to continuously learning and developing. The Education Network is a fantastic place to expand my skills.”
The Education Network is committed to creating an inclusive and empowering work environment for women, as highlighted by CEO Kevin Gill: “At The Education Network, we are incredibly proud of the talented and hardworking women who make our company what it is.
“Their dedication, passion and leadership inspire us every day and we are truly grateful for their impact – not just within our business, but across the education sector. We are committed to supporting their professional and personal growth by creating opportunities for development and encouraging more women to build successful careers in recruitment.
“This International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise their achievements and reaffirm our commitment to championing women in our sector.”
Looking ahead
Significant progress has been made in supporting women in education recruitment, but there is still more to accomplish. Increasing female representation in leadership roles, offering greater flexibility and focusing on mentorship are key to ensuring continued success for women in the sector.
With The Education Network, the future is bright for women in education. With continued advocacy, the sector will continue to evolve, offering even greater opportunities for women in the years to come. www.theeducationnetwork.co.uk