This International Women’s Day, Sumer is proud to officially announce a significant milestone in our commitment to gender equality with the launch of SumHer, our dedicated initiative to create a workplace where every woman can thrive.
A Strategic Commitment to Change
As part of this commitment we have established a SumHer working group, backed by our Board and Executive Committee and sponsored by our Co-leads Jules McKittrick, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, and Sarah Walker, Director of Strategy and Integration. This group is laser-focused on developing and implementing transformative initiatives to elevate and empower women across Sumer and beyond.
Our Vision
Jules McKittrick shares our vision:
“We aim to achieve leadership representation that truly reflects the gender diversity of the communities we champion, ensuring that every woman at Sumer feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach her fullest potential.”
Sarah Walker adds,
“The formation of this working group marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards gender equality at Sumer and supporting our growth ambitions,” says Sarah Walker. “By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we’re creating the infrastructure needed to drive meaningful, lasting change to better meet the needs of our SME communities.”
More Than Good Intentions: A Data-Driven Approach
Our commitment to gender equality goes beyond aspirational statements. As Gill Peden, Director of People and Culture emphasises,
“We’re dedicated to tracking our progress through concrete, measurable metrics. From leadership representation to employee engagement, talent acquisition, and retention rates, we’ll ensure accountability and continuous improvement.”
Our Comprehensive Goals
SumHer is designed to:
- Reflect the communities we champion
- Create an environment where female employees feel genuinely supported
- Establish Sumer as a top employer for women
- Empower every woman to overcome any barriers and achieve her career aspirations
A Fundamental Shift
SumHer represents more than a program—it’s a fundamental transformation in how we operate. By accelerating action on gender equality, we’re not just improving opportunities for our female colleagues; we’re strengthening Sumer as a whole.
Looking Forward
As we mark International Women’s Day, we celebrate our progress while remaining committed to the work ahead. SumHer is our promise to turn intentions into actions and aspirations into tangible achievements.
Join us in our journey towards a more equitable future for all.
