Equality in the workplace remains a ‘significant issue’ in the island.

That was one of the messages that came out of a meeting of the employment and skills committee of the Chamber of Commerce.

The top-level discussion covered issues regarding gender equality and, appropriately in a year which marks the centenary of women gaining the right to vote in the UK, the Suffragette flag was on display as delegates gathered for the meeting at Chamber’s headquarters at Queen Victoria House, Victoria Street, Douglas.

The white, purple and green flag is touring the British Isles and the Isle of Man, as part of the Suffrage Flag Relay which is part of a year of events and activities linked to the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918: the first time that some women could vote in the UK.

By the end of this year the flag will have travelled around the British Isles and taken on numerous marches, processions and trips by boat and plane.

Historically the Isle of Man has been ahead of the UK in regard to female suffrage – for example, women in the Isle of Man who owned property in their own right were given the vote in 1881.

Equality champion for Tynwald, Jane Poole-Wilson MLC, and Isle of Man Government’s equality adviser, Dawn Kinnish, were at the meeting.

Mrs Poole-Wilson said: ‘In my role as equality champion for Tynwald it is invaluable to be able to meet with groups and individuals to understand more about the challenges and barriers to increased inclusion.

‘It is also important to hear about some of the good work already going on and think about how best to share that and build on it.

‘I look forward to ongoing discussion with Chamber’s Employment and Skills Committee and others interested in how we can best support inclusion.’

Karen Corran, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s Employment and Skills Committee, said: ‘We were delighted to host the Suffragette Flag and welcome Jane Poole-Wilson MLC and Dawn Kinnish to our meeting.

‘It provided an excellent opportunity to debate the progress that has been made on equality, discuss the barriers that still exist, and consider initiatives that will support an inclusive and diverse society.’

However, the committee feels equality in the workplace remains a ‘significant issue’ today.

Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce is campaigning on gender parity issues.

In March this year Chamber’s Fuel group published a report titled ‘Diversity in the Workplace: the Gender Balance.’

The Fuel group is an official Chamber committee of individuals from various industries who share a common vision to create a bright future for the island though innovation, research and discussion.

The report contained extensive research on gender themes in the professional environment.

One of the conclusions of the report was that gender equality would produce significant economic benefits for the island.

Last March Business News hosted a wide-ranging roundtable discussion of gender equality on the eve of International Women’s Day.

Simon Nicholas, from KPMG who chaired that gathering, said at the time: ‘As business leaders we have the opportunity to make a real difference and the Isle of Man could establish itself as a world-leader in diversity and inclusion.

‘I’m sure all the companies around this table would be very keen to support Government on diversity and inclusion initiatives that can help in the short and long term.’