High-flying businesswomen champion gender equality and freedom

EYECARE professionals in Exeter are calling for wider recognition of the needs of women in the workplace.

Ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March), Emma Denham and Emma Ginger are celebrating the improvements made for working women, while also highlighting the changes that still need to be made.

Emma Denham, a retail director at Specsavers Exeter, says: ‘It is vital to support and recognise the role women play in the workplace and our communities, because they bring a different perspective and that helps improve long-term outcomes.

‘Our team is predominantly female and many of them are caring for children or family members while working, so the importance of flexibility and appreciation is paramount to enable them to thrive and reach their own potential.

‘Coaching can enable the exploration of how someone can balance their priorities while still growing as an individual. We can enable our busy workforce to still grow clinically with flexible qualifications, and personally through compassionate line management.’

This was echoed by Emma Ginger, an ophthalmic director at Specsavers Exeter, who feels it’s incredibly important to recognise the role of women in the workplace and the community.

She says: ‘Women contribute enormously to healthcare, business and the wider community, yet their impact isn’t always highlighted. Recognising their contributions not only celebrates achievements but also inspires the next generation.

‘International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on progress, but also to continue striving for equality in leadership, pay and opportunity. When women are empowered to succeed, businesses and communities are stronger for it.’

Emma Denham says that her team, who are predominantly women, motivate her every day with their expertise, compassion and aptitude.

She adds: ‘From a skilled contact lens optician helping a child who’s determined to enjoy their favourite sport, to a colleague undertaking a routine eye test appointment, detecting an unforeseen emergency condition and making a hospital referral that saves the person’s life, my team are so diligent and caring – they inspire me every day.’

Emma Ginger feels that women are well suited to healthcare professions, and she would encourage any women thinking about pursuing such a career ‘to go for it’.

She adds: ‘Optics and audiology are dynamic, patient-focused careers with so many pathways for progression, from clinical specialisms to leadership and business ownership.

‘So I’d urge women not to underestimate their abilities, and not to be afraid stepping forward for opportunities. Seek mentors, ask questions and continue learning.

‘Healthcare thrives on empathy, communication and attention to detail, qualities that many women naturally bring to the profession in abundance. Most importantly, believe that leadership roles are for you too.’

The Specsavers Exeter store is open seven days a week, or customers can call 01392 210604.