Why sharing women's experiences matters: hear from our Women’s Network Co-Chairs
Read time: approximately 4 minutes
Kate and Tina, Co-Chairs of our Women’s Network, share the experiences that have shaped them, why connection matters and what they hope the Network can become.
Over the last few months, our Women’s Network has started to take shape.
It’s still early days, but already one thing feels clear: there’s real value in creating more space for colleagues to connect, share experiences and talk about some of the things that don’t always make it into everyday workplace conversations.
Our recent Menopause at Work session was one example. This session explored; what menopause can look like at work, how to have a supportive conversation and practical ways we can support colleagues. With support from Val Foad from Business Disability Forum, we were able to explore important conversations around workplace inclusion.
Val highlighted the importance of breaking down stigma and creating opportunities for open conversations, without expecting people to share their personal experiences: “People might feel less embarrassed, they might feel better, and they might then go and get the help that they need.”
Why the Network matters to us
As Co-Chairs, we come to the Network with different experiences, perspectives and reasons for wanting to get involved.
Kate Matthews, Financial Controller
“I wanted to become Co-chair of the Women's Network because I want to be part of something that is genuinely important to me. I want to help women across our business have the opportunities to connect, develop, be heard, and, of course, have some fun along the way.
I've worked for East of England Co-op for 26 years, having joined the company straight from sixth form. I remember someone telling me when I started that they remember when women were just being allowed to wear trousers into the office. Surely that can't be true? I don't feel that old!
I've seen a huge amount of change over the years, particularly when it comes to flexible working. When my children were babies, I worked full time and spent every working day rushing between home, childcare and work, constantly worrying about being late, or whether the decisions I’d made were the right ones for our family. Looking back, I honestly don't know how I managed it. Today, with the flexible working options we offer, I hope people don't have to experience those same pressures and challenges.
A year from now, I hope the Women's Network is seen as a core source of support for colleagues across the business. Whether someone is navigating a difficult time, celebrating an achievement, seeking advice, or looking to make new connections, I want them to know that our network is there for them. A place where they feel supported, encouraged and championed every step of the way.”
Tina Page, Branch Manager
"I was excited about becoming a Co-Chair of the Women’s Network because I wanted to be a voice for our female colleagues in stores. But there’s also a very personal reason why having people around you matters so much to me.
In 2016, I experienced my first miscarriage. I felt incredibly alone and wondered how I would ever get over it. My colleagues became a huge part of my support system. Sometimes it was listening, bringing me a cup of tea or simply making me smile.
Over the years I experienced further miscarriages, and through some incredibly difficult periods my husband, family and colleagues were there for me. The more I talked, the more I realised I wasn’t alone.
I had my first son, Ryan, in 2018. When I returned from maternity leave, I was happy to be back as a manager, but I remember thinking: this is probably where I’ll stay until Ryan goes to high school, then I can think about my career again.
We welcomed Tommy in 2023. When I returned from maternity leave for the second time, I started to feel like I was being left behind. I could see other managers progressing and moving into different roles, while I felt that having two young children meant I couldn’t do the same.
Then something shifted this year. I realised I wanted more from my career.
The Women’s Network came along, and I immediately felt it was something I wanted to be part of, helping other colleagues find their confidence and themselves. Then the Branch Manager opportunity at Kesgrave came up. I spoke to a few people, decided to go for it, and the rest is history!
Balancing being a manager with two young children isn’t always easy. When I find it hard, I talk to my husband or colleagues and use them as a sounding board.
Sometimes you don’t need someone to fix things. You just need somebody who will listen.
That’s something I’d love the Women’s Network to offer more women across East of England Co-op."
Continuing the menopause conversation
Our first menopause session was about building understanding. Next, we’re creating space for something a little different.
On 2 November, colleagues will come together for Menopause, Unfiltered, a more personal, experience-led conversation about what perimenopause and menopause can actually feel like.
We’ll be joined by Dr Julie Kite, a GP specialist in menopause who supports patients navigating perimenopause, menopause and treatment. Julie will share some of the things she regularly sees in practice, including what people often wish they had known earlier, before opening up a more informal conversation and Q&A.
There will be no expectation for colleagues to share anything personal themselves. The focus is on creating a supportive space to listen, learn and connect.
It is also an opportunity for our Women’s Network to demonstrate the kind of conversations we want to create more of.
More than one conversation
There isn’t one women’s experience.
Pregnancy and pregnancy loss. Parenthood and caring. Health and menopause. Careers and confidence. Relationships. Belonging. Finding your voice. Starting again or deciding you want something more.
These experiences can happen at very different stages of our working lives, and sometimes several at once.
We want the Network to develop with the women who are part of it, creating opportunities to connect, share experiences and help shape what comes next.
There is plenty more to come. This really is only the beginning.
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