ISSA has announced the opening of membership to the ISSA Hygieia Network and is encouraging companies to look to their workforces to help diversify and develop exemplary leadership.
The ISSA Hygieia Network is a women’s forum with a mission of advancing and retaining female professionals in all sectors and at all levels of seniority and experience within the global cleaning community.
Named after the Greek goddess of cleaning and hygiene, this vibrant worldwide community will provide members with ongoing education, networking opportunities, professional development, and industry recognition—in addition to the strong sense of purpose and self-actualisation that comes with being involved in this worthwhile cause.
“Facilitating ongoing networking and commercial opportunities for our members in the international cleaning industry is at the core of ISSA’s mission,” says ISSA executive director emeritus John Garfinkel.
“The ISSA Hygieia Network — and its work for the advancement of women in our industry — is a natural fit. We want to encourage companies to look to their workforces to help diversify and develop exemplary leadership.”
ISSA members interested in joining the ISSA Hygieia Network can sign up online at www.issa.com/hygieia free of charge for one year through 31 December 2015.
Education and training
Since its creation in November 2014, an advisory council of female leaders, chaired by Dr Ilham Kadri, president of Sealed Air Diversey Care, has been developing the network’s framework for membership and services.
In addition to leadership development for managers and executives, the education program also will help address front-line worker challenges, such as literacy levels, training for certification, and on-the-job practice.
Council members will reveal more details during the The Women’s Forum at ISSA Las Vegas.
“Let us never forget that in the cleaning industry, as in every walk of life, women’s rights are human rights,” says ISSA executive director John Barrett. “Gender equality and the empowerment of women are essential to our sustainable future.”
ISSA Hygieia Network Awards
The purpose of the ISSA Hygieia Network Awards program is to recognise individuals and companies that have made an outstanding contribution to gender equality and inclusiveness within the global cleaning industry.
The awards will be presented annually and are open to everyone. The deadline for 2015 award submissions is 15 October 2015. Members of The ISSA Hygieia Network Council will jury the nominations, and the winners of the 2015 ISSA Hygieia Network Awards will be announced at the ISSA Hygieia Network Reception on 20 October at the Cosmopolitan, Condessa 5, in Las Vegas.
The awards nomination criteria and submission process can be found at www.issa.com/hygieia
“I truly believe that recognition of outstanding contribution is the best way to elevate the pride and engagement of professionals in our industry,” says Kadri. “Since joining this industry, I continue to witness amazing commitment and expertise from many individuals that deserves to be given wider visibility and praise.”