I am shocked and bewildered by an aggressive backlash to the recent Mumpreneur Conference in Birmingham, with delegates being accused of attending a ‘discriminatory’ event. One delegate has even been ‘dumped’ by a contact after discovering she had attended the conference. So what can have possibly caused the UK Mumpreneurs to be singled out and vilified over what was supposed to be a celebration of achievement?
Is it because we are women? If so does that mean the end of the Women’s Institute, the WRVS, the Girl Guides and every other women only organisation in the world? Is it because we are mums? Perhaps then we should ban Mothering Sunday? If a group of mums running their own businesses is so objectionable, maybe we shouldn’t allow groups of like-minded individuals to meet up at all. No more industry-specific events, political party conferences and definitely no Star Trek Conventions – they discriminate against people who aren’t interested in space travel! And what about Fathers For Justice – do they now have to let Mothers join too?
Running a business around a family presents its own set of unique challenges which are best understood by like-minded business people. This isn’t being exclusive or cliquey – it’s common sense – and I’m quite certain a single-dad responsible for childcare would understand that perfectly.
The question of discrimination has been raised about our group too, presumably because we have the word ‘mum’ in our name and run a creche at our networking meetings. We always reply that we aren’t exclusive (it’s not like we check for stretch-marks as people come in!) but that we are targeting a niche who simply aren’t catered for by other networking groups – or the business world in general.
If you are a business man or woman and are not responsible for childcare, either because you don’t have children, or they are grown up, then the world of business networking is pretty much at your disposal. The thing about us though, is that rather than accuse everyone ELSE of discriminating against US, we have got off our backside and done something about it.
Discrimination is a dangerous word to bandy around and a serious allegation to make, and needs to be based on fact rather than assumption or sour grapes. There is a BIG difference between discrimination and addressing the needs of a niche audience, particularly one that is making a genuine contribution and achieving such great things.
Well, I have to say I am flabbergasted that anyone has even raised an eyebrow at such a worthy event – it’s ludicrous!
I was just reading all of the wonderful tweets about what a fantastic event it had been (and wishing I was able to attend) when I stumbled across this backlash.
As a WAHM, Mumpreneur and founder of a community for WAHMs, I will clearly state that I fully support the thesis and the wonderful opportunities that come from such events as these and will continue to provide ammenities, support and advice for Mumpreneurs via Web Mums and attend any events that cater for this niche group.
It’s frankly laughable that the word ‘discrimination’ even rose it’s ugly head.
Does this mean that every time a support group of somekind springs up it is going to be open to discrimination?
What if I wanted to open a carrot fanciers club? Are the bloomin potato growers going to get their knickers in a twist – no, they’ll open one for their own niche!
I’m rolling my eyes so much at this – I can barely see the screen!
And for the record I will be holding a conference for Mumpreneurs in Brighton next year – all welcome
Great post – you all have my greatest admiration and support,
Nikki Backshall
Well said Nikki! It’s laughable – does that mean I can complain about any industry events, as it discriminates against those in other industries?
I, for one, will greatly look forward to attending other similar events, and meeting more great people in the future.
Claire
Nikki,
What can I say except well said.
It was an amazing event yesterday. The first of many. If people call it discrimination they should take a long look in the mirror and ask themselves if being so bitter make them feel bigger.
There was so much support in the room yesterday. So much positivity. And zero male and/or establishment bashing.
It was a celebration.
Let us remember the joy of yesterday and put the negativity behind us.
Here come the girls
Unbelievable! Have you got any links you could share so I can check these objections out. I’m fired up for a rant and I need somewhere to vent. These petty minded opinion monkeys need to find a life.
Who said what and where? Would love to read! Load of drivel anyway. All of your points are spot on and their claims are more than a little redundant as they make no sense. Do we cancel every club, award etc in the land? Bye bye Baftas, the Mobos, Pride Of Britain… Forget the numpties and as Susan says, celebrate.
Well from someone who spent years attending male dominated networking meeting discussing who had the bigest car or the best golf clubs I salute you!!! Stick to it at the end of the day there are enough Mumpreneurs out there without having to worry about anyone who is so small minded.
All the best
Jayne
Honestly, it’s ridiculous – and what sprung to mind immediately was that it’s just as ludicrous as Ofsted getting heavy with those two policewomen who were childminding for each other. Uber silliness!
Just read your blog and I’m absolutly amazed by the comments that you have received as a result of your event!
Supporting women into enterprise is a vital part of growing the UK’s economy, and as an under-represented sector within business women need support systems and events.
At The Women’s Business Clubs we occasionally get men that want to come to our events as guests and claim that we are being discriminatory. My reply to them is that yes they can come if they want, however how supportive of the need for women focused support does that make them look, and is that a good move PR for them and their business? There is usually a bit of a silence after that, and then a sort of “Hmmmmmm good point” comment.
Would be interested to catch up sometime. Phone and email on website.
Best regards
Kelly Stevens
The Womens’s Business Clubs
If this years conference caused so many ludicrous comments, imagine the problems after next years, which will be bigger and better!!
I will defend this event to the hilt – as I said on twitter, mums in business are the only sector that are not specifically targeted for networking or awards and we have so much more to contend with than anyone else!
Long live the Mumpreneur Conference & Awards!!