UK Chinese Women Connect

🌱 Bamboo Ceiling Workshops 🌱 Our recent Bamboo ceiling survey shed light on the barriers Chinese women face in advancing to senior leadership roles. But numbers only tell part of the story. That’s why we’ve started running in-depth workshops with participants: 💬 To hear their experiences first-hand 🤝 To explore workplace challenges in more detail 💡 To co-create ideas and solutions for a fairer, more inclusive workplace The first two sessions have been powerful. Participants shared honest feedback, rich insights, and thoughtful suggestions. These conversations remind us that change is possible when we come together to listen, learn, and act. And we’re not stopping here. Our next group workshop is coming up in September, so watch this space! Thank you to everyone who has joined us so far. Your voices are shaping the path forward. #BreakingTheBambooCeiling Poster by Isabel WU Post by Ru Wang

The Bamboo Ceiling is affecting careers at every level ! In our recent survey, 75% of Asian female professionals in the UK reported feeling discouraged or demotivated in their careers due to experiences they associate with the Bamboo Ceiling. Perhaps most strikingly, these feelings weren’t limited to early-career professionals—they were reported across all levels of seniority, from entry-level to leadership. 🔍 This points to a deeper, more systemic issue: Barriers to advancement are not just about skills or performance. They’re about perception, access, and opportunity. ✋ It’s time we talk openly about the structural and cultural factors holding talent back. Posters by Isabel WU Post by Ru Wang #BreakingTheBambooCeiling

What do workplace perceptions reveal about Asian female professionals in the UK? Our survey feedback highlights the persistence of both positive and negative ethnic stereotypes—with real implications for how Asian women are perceived and positioned at work. Respondents were commonly viewed as: ✔️ Hard-working (84%) ✔️ Analytical (54%) ✔️ Efficient (51%) But they were also frequently seen as: ⚠️ Quiet (62%) ⚠️ Lacking confidence (56%) ⚠️ Having poor communication skills (50%) These traits are often seen as incompatible with traditional expectations of leadership—raising important questions about how bias shapes opportunity. Are we truly recognising talent, or reinforcing narrow stereotypes? Poster by Isabel WU Post by Ru Wang #BreakingTheBambooCeiling

Recent Bamboo Ceiling survey findings reveal a tough truth for Chinese women in the workplace: 🔹 40% of respondents strongly disagree 🔹 29% disagree that Chinese women are adequately represented at senior executive levels within their organizations. Even more concerning: 🔸 43% strongly disagree 🔸 18% disagree that opportunities for advancement are equitable regardless of gender. These numbers aren't just statistics—they reflect real barriers, lived experiences, and systemic challenges. It's time to ask: 👉 What are we doing to dismantle these barriers? 👉 How are we ensuring leadership pipelines are truly inclusive? Representation matters. Equity matters. Voices matter. #BreakingTheBambooCeiling Credits: Posters designed by Isabel WU Campaign post by Ru Wang

Why do so many East and Southeast Asians still face invisible barriers to leadership? At UKCWC, we’re confronting this head-on. The bamboo ceiling—a term describing the systemic and cultural obstacles preventing Asian professionals from reaching executive roles—must be acknowledged and addressed. 📊 We conducted a survey to hear directly from the community. The results speak volumes—and we invite you to explore them. 🔗 Scan the QR code to read about the survey 🙋🏽♀️💬 We want to hear from YOU: Have you experienced the bamboo ceiling? What needs to change? #BreakingTheBambooCeiling Supported by Rosa, the UK Fund for Women and Girls - Voices from the Frontline Fund.

🌱 Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling from the Inside Out 🌱 Last week, our charity hosted a deeply meaningful in-person workshop addressing the bamboo ceiling challenges faced by Asian professionals in the workplace. But rather than focusing solely on external barriers, we looked inward — exploring how inner narratives, identity, and self-perception shape our professional journeys. Led and co-hosted by Jessie Zhu, a Leadership Coach & Consultant, the session invited participants to: 🌟 Reclaim their strengths 🔍 Reconnect with their purpose 🗣️ Reshape their inner voice What truly moved everyone was the constructive, honest, and hopeful energy in the room. Instead of frustration, there was deep reflection, emotional courage, and a shared commitment to growth and change. 💭 Key themes participants explored together: How internal barriers — especially those tied to identity as Chinese professional women — can create a “glass ceiling” of self-doubt and fear of overstepping cultural expectations ? How the inner critic often reflects a desire to protect, not just sabotage — and how we can shift this voice into an ally ? How to take small, manageable steps that build confidence, spark ambition, and nurture a growth mindset ? 💡 The actions and reflections that stood out: Embodying confidence and self-belief Honouring the emotional weight of difficult choices Reframing fear as part of the path toward leadership and visibility If you're curious about the bamboo ceiling and want to dive deeper, check out our recently published survey. You can also still participate to help us better understand these workplace challenges and co-create solutions. 🔔 Keep an eye out for our future in-person workshops — where we’ll continue to create space for reflection, empowerment, and action. ✨ Huge thanks to Jessie for guiding the group with such care and wisdom 🙏 Heartfelt appreciation to our committee member, xinyao huang, for making this workshop happen 💛 And most of all, thank you to every single participant — your openness, honesty, and strength made this session unforgettable. Let’s keep moving — inward and forward — toward a fairer, more inclusive workplace for all. Posted by Ru Wang #BreakingTheBambooCeiling #UKCWC

« The bamboo ceiling is real, but so is the strength, wisdom, and voice we carry within ». Hear more from Jessie Zhu a leadership coach and consultant, in the video below ! Jessie will be leading our upcoming workshop, "Rising Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling: Reclaiming Strength, Purpose and Inner Power for Chinese Women Professionals," as part of our campaign on Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling There are limited spots left, do register by tomorrow !

🌿 Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: A Workshop for Chinese Women Professionals 🌿 We’re delighted to invite you to our upcoming in-person workshop: “Rising Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling: Reclaiming Strength, Purpose and Inner Power for Chinese Women Professionals” 📅 Date: Saturday, June 28th 🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 Location: City of London (venue details will be shared upon registration) Despite high educational and professional achievements, Asian professionals remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership roles. Our survey findings confirm that 75% of respondents have felt discouraged in their careers due to the Bamboo Ceiling. This workshop is a space to shift that narrative — together. 🌿 What to Expect A powerful half-day experience designed for Chinese women professionals, focused on: ● Reclaiming your inner strength Build authentic leadership while navigating cultural expectations and systemic bias. ● Redefining success on your terms Challenge traditional success metrics and align with your purpose and values. ● Breaking the bamboo ceiling, together Explore the systemic roots of career barriers, raise awareness, and grow within a supportive community ready to create change Led by Jessie Zhu an experienced coach with over 20 years of experience across investment banking, executive education and leadership, and co-hosted by xinyao huang Head of the Research & Impact Department at UKCWC. 💸 Workshop Pricing Our standard community rate is £35 – a heavily subsidized price made possible by funding from Rosa, the UK Fund for Women and Girls reflecting our commitment to accessibility. This is a sliding scale, and you’re welcome to adjust your contribution: ● £15 – Discounted rate if £35 is challenging ● £50 – Optional pay-it-forward rate to support others (thank you!) UKCWC believes cost should never be a barrier. If you’re a student, unemployed, or facing financial hardship, you may qualify for a free ticket. simply reply to the registration confirmation email when you receive it ⏰ Spots are limited – Secure your place by registering here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/e5gK4q4k We'll share bank details in your registration confirmation email to complete payment. Let’s build power, purpose, and possibility — together. #UKCWC #BritishChineseWomen #BreakingTheBambooCeiling #Leadership #DiversityInTheWorkplace #CareerDevelopment #ConnectEmpowerImpact

Why talk about the Bamboo Ceiling? 
Meet one of our research partners, Eliza Wong, an organisational psychologist and a key contributor to the Bamboo Ceiling Survey Report, whose original research on the psychological barriers faced by Asian professionals laid the foundation for the Bamboo Ceiling Survey. Let’s discover what inspired her to help spark this important conversation. 🔍 What drew you to the issue of the Bamboo Ceiling?
 💬 What change do you hope UKCWC’s media campaign can drive — and beyond? Watch the full video to hear her story — and join the movement. Through grassroots efforts, UKCWC is committed to amplifying voices, raising awareness, and driving long-term change. Let’s work together to break the Bamboo Ceiling and build a supportive, empowering community. #UKCWC #BritishChineseWomen #BreakingTheBambooCeiling #Leadership #DiversityInTheWorkplace #CareerDevelopment #ConnectEmpowerImpact

📣 UKCWC Launches First Bamboo Ceiling Survey Report After a year of preparation, we’re excited to share the launch of UKCWC’s first Bamboo Ceiling Survey Study Report — a powerful step toward understanding the barriers that British Chinese and East/Southeast Asian women face in the workplace. 💡 Key findings include: - Persistent underrepresentation in leadership despite high levels of education and experience - Stereotypes of being "quiet" or "lacking confidence" that limit progression - Lack of visible role models and equitable opportunities for advancement - A strong desire for mentorship, sponsorship, and inclusive workplace cultures The report also highlights actionable recommendations to break through these invisible barriers: 🔹 Mentorship & Sponsorship: Create structured support systems to help women navigate workplace dynamics and career development 🔹 Leadership Development: Provide training that equips East and Southeast Asian women with the skills and confidence to step into leadership roles 🔹 Unconscious Bias Training: Raise awareness within organisations to address subtle forms of discrimination in hiring and promotions 🔹 Representation in DEI Initiatives: Ensure Asian voices are included and heard in diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies 🔹 Organisational Accountability: Encourage companies to track and report on ethnic diversity and leadership progression 🙏 A heartfelt thank you to Rosa, the UK Fund for Women and Girls supporting this project and helping amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. This is just the beginning — let’s keep the momentum going. More workshops and conversations coming soon! #UKCWC #BritishChineseWomen #BreakingTheBambooCeiling #Leadership #DiversityInTheWorkplace #CareerDevelopment #ConnectEmpowerImpact