BRADFORD-based Yorkshire Water has joined forces with a regional professional support group to launch a programme to encourage more women into leadership and management roles in traditionally male-dominated industries

The STEM Inspired Women’s Leadership Programme encompasses science,technology, engineering and mathematics skills and aims to identify women determined to achieve business success within the under-represented sector.

Drawing from Forward Ladies’ experience in providing training and development for women, the six month programme will work in conjunction with a company’s own development programmes to help women boost their career progression.

The six-month programme challenges practices and obstacles to encourage women to feel supported and heard within their organisations. and overcome isolation

A key objective is to help women to access appropriate support to develop their confidence as leaders.

The scheme , which starts next month until February 2017, includes conferences, workshops, training and peer support groups, mentoring and round table events with high profile leaders,.

Griselda Togobo, Forward Ladies managing director, studied electrical engineering before gaining an MPhil in industrial systems, manufacture and management from Cambridge University.

She said: “Studying engineering has equipped me with skills that have enabled me to pursue multiple careers in diverse industries. It’s our aim through this programme to retain as many women within the STEM sector as possible and also to attract more women into STEM sectors.” Shauna Purdey, Yorkshire Water human resources director, said: “If we can attract and retain even more women from STEM backgrounds, we will increase our talent pools as well as drive performance and growth in our sector. We are passionate about creating the right workplace culture that will actively support and encourage women from STEM.”