International Women's Day- Professor Simonetta Manfredi

This content has been taken from an original interview with the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group.

Simonetta Manfredi Professor of Equality and Diversity Management and Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange (KE), Oxford Brookes University Business School 

What would you highlight as the key accomplishments in your career, including accreditations and awards? 

“In my role as Associate Dean I am responsible for setting the School research and Knowledge Exchange strategy and an important achievement for me has been to support my colleagues in delivering world-leading research to benefit individuals, the economy and society. In 2004 I founded the Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice and directed it until 2018. The Centre brings together academics, professionals, and policy makers to advance equality through research and evidence-based interventions. My interests span equality issues in the workplace with a focus on gender and age. I have published extensively in these areas. I co-author a book on Managing Equality and Diversity, published by Oxford University Press and I was honoured to be awarded the Chartered Management Institute Book of the year (2013) in the management and leadership textbook category”. 

What are you currently working on? 

“I am currently leading a project, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, to increase the participation of women scientists as founders of university spinout companies. Currently only 13% of active spinout companies have at least a woman founder which suggests that talent of women scientists is significantly under-utilised in the ecosystem that drives innovation. I want to use the research to promote positive change for women”.

What inspired you to get into an executive role? 

“I did not plan to progress my career into an executive role. However, several years ago I carried out research to explore the careers of women leaders in the Higher Education sector. I was inspired by their personal stories and career histories, driven by their values, belief, and resilience. This has made me realise that the value of being in a leadership r
ole is to be able to make a real difference, support your colleagues, enact your values and promote positive change within and beyond your own organisation”.

What advice would you give to inspire the next generation of women who seek to reach a similar position in your sector? 

“Keep an open mind and be guided by your values and belief”.  

What changes/developments would you like to see in your industry (and beyond) that would help forge a gender equal world? 

“The pandemic has exposed deep inequalities in our society and, more importantly, how these impact on all of us… one thing, among others, that ought to change fast is how we value care and that in society it continues to be mainly a woman’s job. We are hearing a lot about the losses caused by the pandemic to the economy, but we also need to hear about the value of women’s caring work to the nation. Caring, whether paid or unpaid, is critical to keeping society together during these challenging times. Removing inequalities means a better life and a better future for all of us.” 

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