WiSA set to launch online forum
Networking group Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA) is launching a new online forum to connect women working in and with the industry.
The forum, due to be launched on 1 October, is intended to connect the group’s 300-plus members, promote diversity, and highlight the range of opportunities for women in the sector.
The launch follows the success of a similar initiative by the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC), which launched a collaboration hub for its consortium members in July. WiSA was founded in partnership with SAIC and launched on International Women’s Day 2019 to celebrate the role of women in aquaculture, promote diversity and support career development.
The digital forum has been funded by Marine Scotland and will provide a virtual space for members to connect with one another, access exclusive events, share career and training opportunities, and engage in discussions around diversity and inclusion in the sector.
WiSA has also announced three new members for its core team: Donald Waring, learning and development manager at Mowi; Helena Reinardy, training fellow and researcher at SAMS and Matilda Lomas-MacKenzie, biology and cleaner fish coordinator at the Scottish Salmon Company.
Teresa Garzon, WiSA chair, said: “The launch of the digital forum is an important milestone for WiSA. More than ever, we have come to recognise the power and value of online connections and resources during the past 18 months. Our aim is to ensure that aquaculture companies continue to have access to a diverse talent pool that can help the sector to develop and grow, with equal opportunities for all.”
Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC, added: “Aquaculture in Scotland has a wide geographical spread, which only reinforces the need for equality and fair opportunities for people all over the country. With an online platform to encourage engagement and discussion, our members can get involved with important conversations around diversity in aquaculture and pave the way for the next generation coming into the sector.”
