Camila Peters, Business Development Manager Spain and Portugal, Playpass, discusses what International Women’s Day means to her as an event professional.
We need to break down gender stereotypes, speak up, make ourselves seen and be acknowledged for our work as equals. The tide is turning and there are more and more women achieving success at all levels. There’s still a long way to go and I think it’s important to ensure that men are involved in the conversation – change will only happen if we work together to raise awareness of the gender gap.
I feel very proud of my career (and that of many of my contemporaries) but it can be quite frustrating when you’ve worked so hard to reach a pinnacle in your career only to be faced with the assumption that you are the team’s secretary rather than a leader.
I’ve always had a passion for live music and events so I was thrilled to land my role as Business Development Manager for Spain and Portugal’s division of the NFC and cashless solution provider, Playpass.
In my short time with PlayPass, I’m proud to have doubled the size of the team in Spain. I have restructured people’s roles and developed a strategy to ensure that the company can improve processes and provide support to event promoters in the best and most efficient way. The company has supported me in taking a progressive approach, which is exceptional and I hope we can maintain a forward thinking meritocracy, irrespective of gender.
However, despite my success and like most women I’ve worked alongside, I’ve been subject to negative experiences. We’ve suffered being objectified or spoken to in a certain tone because of our gender for years and that has never been acceptable.
In addition to international movements such as #metoo, platforms like Shesaid.So, Women in Music, Girlschool and Gal-Dem are doing an incredible job to create a space that enables women to connect with each other and exchange valuable information. Thanks to these communities I feel supported and inspired by the women who are striving to be the best they can be in their careers.
Thankfully, I’ve seen a shift in perspective, especially in the events industry. It feels like there’s a collective effort to push for female inclusion in the sector and shine a light on the unbelievable women that play an integral part in shaping and developing it.
I work in a great company that champions anyone that works hard, rewarding individuals and teams, regardless of gender.
This International Women’s Day, I’m hoping I can use my platform to encourage those to contribute to the continuous change in the larger fight for gender equality. Let’s eliminate gender stereotypes and be a role model for other women in the events and music industry. Ultimately, I want women to feel acknowledged, respected and empowered in all industries. We can do it!
Author: Adam Parry
Adam is the co-founder and editor of www.eventindustrynews.com Adam, a technology evangelist also organises Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology and the Event Technology Awards. Both events take place in November, London.
