The Franchising Regional Conference in Cyprus to Discuss Empowering Women through Franchising
Written by: Sharon Dietrich, Director of Sales - Franchise Solutions
Over the last nine years there has been a quiet trend taking place in the franchising industry. As recently as a few years ago it was an uncommon occurrence to run into a line to the lady’s room. Now that may sound like good news, but it revealed the fact that there were few women in executive positions in the franchising world. This fact has changed dramatically and yes, now there is a waiting line.
There are many reasons we can point to for the growth of female positions within the franchising world however one stands out. In 1996, the International Franchise Association (www.franchise.org) specifically set out to grow the advancement and involvement of women in this industry with the creation of the Women’s Franchise Committee. I have had the privilege of serving on the committee for the past six years and have met determined, intelligent and successful women who have a passion for seeking out and mentoring other women in the franchise community.
Recently, I received an email from a committee member, Rosemarie Hartnett the President of Abrakadoodle a children’s art franchise. Rosemary has set her sights on a new goal, helping women in other countries get involved in business. For many women in less fortunate parts of the world, the ability to obtain a business and grow it may not be feasible without franchising. Rosemary will be a keynote speaker at the First Regional Franchise Conference in Cyprusin mid October with a talk entitled “Empowering Women through Franchise Ownership”. She will also present a workshop; “Developing Leadership Skills in Women,” aimed at helping women develop leadership skills, network, and become successful business owners.
With the underlying tensions in that part of the world, the opportunity to speak on Empowering Women through Franchising is exciting and quite possibly will be a life changing event for women in Cyprus.