Professional network for women in risk and insurance on the cards, says Ferma

Ferma is exploring the idea of creating a new network for women in risk and insurance.

The idea stems from positive feedback the association received from delegates who attended its Ladies in Risk Management lunch, held as part of its biannual forum earlier this month.

The network is still at the very early stages of discussion, and ideas include developing an associated mentoring scheme.

New Ferma president Julia Graham (pictured), who is leading discussions in this area, says: “I have never been a fan of reverse discrimination, and until quite recently, I was not a strong supporter of women’s networks. But I have become a convert, and having personally taken part in a number of groups myself, I can now see the value in giving women a network that provides access to those with experience, which might help to inspire, provide examples of successful leadership techniques, and allow women to achieve their potential.”

However, Graham believes that networking groups are only viable if they are non-exclusive. She says: “I think it is wrong to deny membershi. Doing so has the tone of an exclusive club – life isn’t exclusive, and it is important that anyone interested should be able to share in discussions and experiences of a network.”

She adds that non-exclusive networking groups can deliver a positive platform for any under-represented group, whether based on gender, ethnic background or age.