Brightly, A Siemens Company, is proud to announce the launch of FLARE – a new initiative designed to support and empower women working within Local Authorities’ Highways Departments. FLARE, which stands for Female Local Authority Roads Engagement, aims to foster a strong network of women at all career levels, providing a platform for resource sharing and strategic collaboration.
In response to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s call for austerity measures affecting diversity and inclusion programs, Brightly is stepping up to offer a valuable resource for women in the industry – completely free of charge.
FLARE aims to foster a collaborative network where women can exchange resources, strategies, and experiences relevant to navigating the challenges of working in local authority highways departments. Each month, members will engage in discussions facilitated by Brightly, covering topics ranging from book recommendations to self-reflection exercises, all centred around the theme of advancing gender equality in the workplace.
To kickstart the conversation, FLARE invites participants to explore the concept of gender bias in winter maintenance, inspired by the insights from Caroline Criado Perez’s seminal work, Invisible Women. The discussion will delve into disparities in road and pavement gritting practices, highlighting the disproportionate impact on women’s safety during winter months. Even if you haven’t read the book, a synopsis will be provided, ensuring everyone can join the discussion. Brightly is offering copies of the books for the first 10 people who sign-up.
For women, FLARE offers a supportive environment to connect with peers, share challenges, and nurture personal and professional growth. Engaging in FLARE discussions can enhance mental well-being and foster a sense of belonging within the industry. For men, supporting female colleagues’ participation in FLARE fosters increased engagement, innovation, and productivity within Local Authorities. Embracing diversity and inclusion benefits all members of the community, leading to a more vibrant and sustainable future.
The inaugural FLARE meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15th, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
To register for the upcoming FLARE meeting and become part of this empowering network, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/tS4KxD79nx?origin=lprLink.
Brightly is a global leader in intelligent asset management solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of software and consultancy services to support sustainable community development. For more information about Brightly and its commitment to driving sustainable communities through intelligent asset management solutions, please visit https://www.brightlysoftware.com/en-gb/illuminate.