The role of committees in the development of female leaders

What has your career journey been like?

Eclectic! I have dabbled in various roles over the years and while I ended up working clinically in general practice, I then branched into education and politics. The roles tend to snowball, so once you have shown a willingness to get involved in the Local Dental Committee, you are suddenly co-opted onto all the other local committees too!

What challenges have you have faced?

Overall, I have found organisations and committees to be welcoming and inclusive, however this is not universally the case, and it can get quite wearing to be asked to justify your appointment due to your age or gender. I have been informed many times that I am only in a position because I tick a diversity box. It is most often a flippant comment made in passing, but it does stick with you.

What are the challenges specifically facing women in dentistry?

The challenge of believing in yourself and your abilities when doubt has been cast even once is difficult. There are plenty of voices of positive reassurance but as is human nature, we focus our insecurities on the one bit of negative and let that fester in the depths of our minds!

The political environment is still quite male dominated, but the gender disparity is reducing all the time. In a world of the “old boys club” it can feel like a fine line between joining in the banter and retaining the ladylike values that are expected of the fairer sex. Being labelled the angry feminist is very unhelpful but let’s be honest, with feminism if you are not angry you have not been paying attention!

How have we supported you during challenges in your career?

Knowing how much the BDA cares about ensuring equality and diversity are embraced and respected has given me reassurance that I do not need to walk away from challenges. Those in leadership positions have always taken time to show their commitment to this and are overwhelmingly supportive of bringing through individuals with passion from all demographics and supporting them in their goals.

How is your experience as a female chair?

Having excellent role models who took the time to reach out to me and help me find my feet was hugely helpful. The staff at the BDA are ever supportive and the comradery from the committees with which I have been involved has been inspirational and motivating when the political climate around dentistry has been anything but. I feel honoured to have been elected by my peers to take the role of chair.

How can we encourage more women to take leadership roles?

We need to call out the negative behaviours which are increasingly rare but still exist within our profession. It should not be up to a woman to have to defend herself or her position, but the responsibility of everyone to challenge when they see something that discriminates against anyone. The excellent and largely voluntary work that all our committee members do depends on keeping people engaged and helping them to develop into the leaders of the future. Having a thick skin should not be a prerequisite for women to achieve in dentistry. We need to support each other wherever we can.