With the industry such a complex one and recognising the time it took to get to grips with the various technologies and processes of print and signage, Corcoran says the one piece of advice she’d give herself is: “Just ask!” She adds: “I found the easiest thing to do when I started was to ask lots of questions and utilise the experience of others to gain insight and knowledge! My advice is to immerse yourself into it, be a sponge to other people’s wisdom, keep learning and growing, and you’ll achieve a higher understanding of the industry quickly.” Working Pattern Changes Reflecting on the 2018 BPIF study that showed under half of the industry was at the time made up of women, Carlotta Maria Basile, production portfolio marketing manager of Canon says the industry has seen an uptake in the level of consciousness around the subject of diversity, equity, and inclusion over the past few years despite the industry traditionally being male dominant. “It is now more common to see women at the forefront of the technologies and equipment advancing the sector,” Basile says. This is something Basile personally experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic having joined Canon just before this period. “Suddenly there were new ways of working,” she says. “The remote and hybrid work patterns meant that I had to have the knowledge and expertise in my chosen field to navigate working on my own. It was difficult at times, but it forced me to somehow be stronger and in turn, provide help when people reached out to me.” Because of this period, Carlotta says With its history dating back to 1827, The Printing Charity has had a number of successful and notable women supporting its initiatives and as its presidents throughout its history. The Charity’s Rising Star Awards have also seen a high percentage of female winners over the past five years with an average of 71% of winners being female since 2019. These statistics show the ambition and drive of women in the print, packaging, publishing, paper, and graphics industries to succeed in their careers. “The Rising Star Awards were an amazing way to be recognised as a young female working in the print industry, and to develop my skills to help with my future within it,” says Chelsea Davis, account manager at Coveris and 2022 Rising Star Winner. 1865 - The Charity’s Royal Charter is signed by Queen Victoria from what was then called the Printers’ Pension, Almshouse and Orphans Asylum Cooperation. 1964 – Southwood Court, the Charity’s Almshouse in Basildon, is opened by HRH Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother ► 1971 – Beaverbrook Court is officially opened by HRH the Duchess of Kent on May 27th, 1971 1980 – Dame Vera Lynn OBE LLD, who devoted a lot of time and energy to her charity work, becomes the Charity’s first female president 1981 – HRH the Duchess of Kent GCVO is the second female president 1984 – HRH Princess Alexandra GCVO is president 1989 – The Princess of Wales opens Butlin House, one of the Charity’s previous Homes on May 25th, 1989 whilst she is Charity President ► 2017 – The Baroness Dean of Thornton-le-Fylde is president 2024 – Nicky Morgan, the Rt Hon the Baroness Morgan of Cotes, becomes the sixth female president she has learned to believe in herself, her knowledge, and her skillset. As workforces became dispersed, Carlotta says the company saw a boom in the technology industry that brought people together. As a result, the conversation shifted to what meaningful contributions were being brought to the table – male or female – and the impact this had on meeting business goals. Basile adds that social media has been a valuable tool for encouraging more women in print to share their stories and keep the conversation going on both professional and social platforms. Basile says this has also helped to promote the study of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at an educational level with more awareness needed to attract talent into this area. “At Canon, I’m proud to work closely to the philosophy of Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. I have truly felt the company’s desire for a more inclusive and equitable world,” Basile says, adding: “We encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to work, as a place where not only do we contribute to achieving our business goals, but where we can thrive on a personal level.” This has been recognised with Canon’s recent 27th position in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List of 2023. ▲ Carlotta Maria Basile, production portfolio marketing manager of Canon Women Throughout The Printing Charity’s History INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2024 51 www.printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2024 - Issue 347
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