ABDO supports #BreakTheBias campaign

Imagine a gender equal world:

• A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination
• A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive
• A world where difference is valued and celebrated
• Together we can forge women’s equality

Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias

Today on International Women’s Day, ABDO is changing its website and social media headers to support the #BreakTheBias campaign and showcase the team of women involved in ABDO, including its current president, board, committee and staff members.

ABDO president, Jo Holmes, says: “With a high proportion of women working in the optical industry, ABDO is always keen to represent the dynamics of the membership on all levels. This is reflected on the present composition of the board and committees throughout the organisation where women play key roles.”

Debbie McGill, ABDO head of policy and public affairs, comments: “Having worked within the optical profession for the last 19 years, I think great efforts have been made by most employers, professional and representative bodies to be more inclusive of women in the workplace.

“This has partly been due to the education provided through the years on understanding equality, diversity and inclusion [EDI] – resulting in most employers now offering more flexible working options and equal pay, making the roles of optometrists and dispensing opticians more appealing to women.

“This is evident in the make-up of the profession with approximately 60 per cent being woman,” Debbie continues, “some in leading/senior roles in practice and with the greater representation of woman in senior/director roles on the professional and representative bodies.

“That said, I believe there is still more to be done on EDI to provide balance overall by way of raising awareness, promoting best practice to leaders within the profession, and implementing non-tolerance policies in practices to manage patients that behave in a discriminatory way,” Debbie concludes.

Find out more about the International Women’s Day #BreakTheBias campaign here