Chwarae Teg sponsor the Most Effective Returner to the WorkplaceChwarae Teg are delighted to sponsor this category for the second year running.This category is aimed to demonstrate the achievements of women returning to work in the last five years after a minimum nine month career break taken to raise a family, care for a relative or to travel. Whatever the reason, this career break will enable the entrants to demonstrate the importance of retraining and the benefit of utilising experience gained outside the workplace.For details of how to nominate or for more information on this award please contact Emma Richards on 029 2047 8917 or [email protected]
Marcell Maxwell, Chief Executive of Chwarae Teg, said, "We are pleased to support the Welsh Woman of the Year Awards by once again sponsoring the Most Effective Returner Category and we would encourage all women returning to employment after career breaks to enter this year's awards and play their part in shaping the economic future and prosperity of a modern Wales."
Last year's winner of this category was Suzanne Rees, owner of Sunflowers Florist.
Suzanne suffered a stroke in 2001, which affected her ability to speak or write, meaning she was unable to continue in her marketing job. Determined to recover, she set about developing her own programme of rehabilitation, which involved writing a daily journal and making recordings of herself reading children's stories to help refine her speech.
She also took a course in floristry to help improve her mobility skills, and soon started work as a part-time florist. Although she still struggled with tiredness from her illness, she began to increase her hours. The work increased her confidence, so much so that she decided to set up her own florists in 2005, alongside taking an Open University course and day courses in business skills.
Speaking about her achievement, Suzanne said, "Being out of the workplace can severely damage your self-esteem. Taking time to apply for Welsh Woman of the Year will highlight all you've achieved over the past few years. I'm certain you'll get a real boost from reviewing your story, which will give you an injection of confidence whenever you need it in the future."
Source: Western Mail, 27 July 2007
Last Updated: 27/07/2007 11:44:13 By Sian Baird Murray
