KARREN KNOWS 2 You have been vocal about how vital it is to close the gender pay gap, do you think it is improving? It is certainly getting better and that is positive, but it can be improved and that is something organisations and their leaders must continue to push for. This can be supported by clear objectives and goals. At West Ham United, we have a Board objective to be an Equity Leader in the Premier League. Equality is at the heart of everything we do, and we are extremely proud of the work we do across the club to promote it. This helps drive everyone at the club and it has been crucial in ensuring that we close the gender pay gap, which at West Ham stands at minus -1% in favour of women for the 7th consecutive year. 3 How can young women ensure that the glass ceiling is shattered rather than simply cracked? It's clear that women can achieve success in business if they have ambition and put themselves where they need to be. So speak up. Be heard. Stand out. Self-belief and confidence are a huge part of this. There is also a very real responsibility for employers to play their part in supporting women's progression and longevity within their organisations. Creating programmes for women from different backgrounds, and giving them the skills and confidence to succeed in the corporate world, is a vital step in improving boardroom diversity and productivity. Improving childcare provision as women progress throughout their careers is key, but further focus is also required on a genuine crossindustry effort to close the gender pay gap, while also ensuring that women who manage to smash that glass ceiling with the support of their organisations are given the support they require to stay in the positions they have achieved. jobsandcareersmag.com /// JOBS & CAREERS /// 411http://jobsandcareersmag.com