The Northern BC Women in Business Association (NBWBA) is a relatively new organization in Prince George that supports the growth of women in their careers through networking and learning.
The NBWBA is a volunteer-run organization operated by women who have separate full-time jobs or own their own businesses. Founded in January 2024, it provides a forum for women to connect through events like its most recent Launch Party at Northern Lights Estate Winery.
The association also hosts frequent workshops to educate and connect with business leaders in Prince George.
Sarita Parmar, president of the NBWBA, told The Citizen the group was created to fill a gap in Northern representation.
“Essentially, the Northern BC Women in Business Association is a forum for women in business to connect, learn from each other, and grow,” Parmar said. “Larger centres have all types of clubs and associations, but we were really lacking something like that in Prince George and the surrounding area. It started with Caitlin Saunders, our executive director. She and I got connected through another woman in business. Fast forward to today, and I sit on the board as president. What we're looking to do now is grow a community.”
Parmar comes from a professional background in business banking and finance and has worked with a diverse range of businesses. She currently provides coaching and consulting services and hosts professional workshops.
Through her workshops and interactions in business, Parmar has identified key gender-related issues in the professional world.
“I deliver workshops on confidence,” Parmar said. “One of the big stats I used to share, which LinkedIn data backs up, is that, typically, a woman will see a job posting and, unless she meets 100 per cent of the criteria, she won't apply. A man, on the other hand, will apply if he meets 60 per cent of the criteria. This kind of stuff still exists, whether we want to believe it or not. So, bringing women together to share these stories and empower one another is a key focus of our organization.”
Parmar also noted that she has seen a female friend paid less for the same work at the same company with the same educational background. These stories have inspired her to provide more support for women in the North.
In the wake of International Women's Day last week, Parmar emphasized the importance of keeping the momentum going.
“I think it's nice to have one day to recognize it,” Parmar said. “But the real work happens after the hype is over. Everybody on social media will say ‘Happy International Women's Day,’ but what is it? It's actually a call to action. When I talk about the pay gap and how women still feel they can't apply for leadership positions, it's a call to action. We make up 51 per cent of the population in Canada, yet less than 6 per cent of women hold CEO positions. Initiatives like International Women's Day are designed to highlight these discrepancies, but it’s not just women who have to do the work. Men also need to step up and say, ‘That’s not cool. We can’t just be fighting for ourselves.’”
The NBWBA is hosting another event in April and is looking for businesses or individuals to help sponsor its events or the organization itself.
If you are interested in learning more, visit the group's website or follow on social media.
