Women on Boards opens entries for its 2022 Bursary Programme

The Women on Boards Bursary Programme, with the generous support of Sheryl Cuisia and a group of experienced Chairs, is now open for emerging female non-executive directors – across all sectors. Now in its fourth year, the programme will award six women, who would not otherwise be able to afford it, complimentary places on its signature Boardroom Journey, worth up to £1,500.
Entries opened on International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March 2022 and close on 31 March 2022. This year’s IWD theme is breaking the bias, calling on us all to challenge stereotypes and bias in our communities, schools, and in our workplaces.
Women on Boards’ purpose is to challenge bias in the workplace and to accelerate board diversity by supporting as many women as possible to overcome the hurdles to contribute their skills and perspective as non-executive directors. What they do works, with eight members gaining a new board role every week (on average).
Its 2022 Bursary Programme is open to all female, non-binary and transgender people aspiring to achieve their leadership potential. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your experience is – if you’re ambitious, motivated to succeed, and passionate about pursuing a non-executive director role, then you’re the perfect applicant for this bursary scheme.
Winners will be given a place on the Boardroom Journey worth up to £1,500 and one year’s membership to Women on Boards, including access to its Vacancy Board and more.
Afshan Moeed from Edinburgh is an internationally experienced Analyst with an extensive background in Banking, Investments and Financial Services. She has recently completed her PhD (Accounting & Finance) at the University of Glasgow. Currently, she is working as Lecturer in Accounting and Financial Management at Open University, UK.
Afshan won the Women on Boards Bursary Programme in 2021. Here’s our exclusive Q&A with her:
How did you get to know about the annual Bursary programme?
As part of my PhD project, I did lots of research on the accountability, governance, and risk assessments associated with NED appointments. I became immersed in the world of Boards and knew that one day I wanted to be a NED. I saw an advertisement on LinkedIn for the Women on Boards Bursary programme and felt inspired to enter. I was so happy to win!
What kind of preparation does it take to qualify and win it?
Do your research to make sure you truly understand the role of a NED. I found it helpful to read and listen to other women’s stories. The application form is easy to follow, and it doesn’t matter what your experience is. The key is to demonstrate that you’re ambitious and motivated to succeed.
How can more women in leadership positions sustain their stature without worrying about pay disparity and sexism?
During my time on the Bursary programme, I learned that self-promotion and making your achievements known is key for advancing and sustaining a woman’s career. One way of doing this is to keep a record of all the extra projects you have done, examples of when you have gone above and beyond and positive feedback you have received.
What difference can a woman make in a boardroom with her intervention?
Diversity whether it’s based on gender, age, ethnicity is always a good thing because it brings different perspectives into the Boardroom. Women and men make equally good NEDs, what’s important is to have a mix of genders. I find that women often look at things in more depth and make very considered decisions, which is important.
What kind of women/girls can apply? Do they have to belong to a certain educational background?
 It’s open to women of all ages and experiences. It doesn’t matter what stage of your career you’re at and the application doesn’t ask you to list your educational background. I can’t recommend it enough, the help and guidance you get are invaluable. Go for it!
To enter the Women on Boards 2022 Bursary Programme, visit www.womenonboards.net