Her observation of the business community is that the interaction between males and females is very positive. 

However she acknowledges that there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving financial equality with men to establish gender parity. 

“I think the gender barriers are closing but we must keep discussing the gap, because if we don’t there is a danger that they will widen again,” she said. 

Ms Archer believes the young generation must be educated, as they are not being taught to expect parity with their male counterparts. 

“We need girls to learn from a young age to expect to be paid the same,” she said. 

Role models, she said are crucial to for both boys and girls in providing guidance to assist them in achieving their goals. 

“We need to be taught to look for those role models in society, as they won’t find them if they aren’t looking,” 

Ms Archer said that people do still stereotype certain roles for girls and boys and this has an impact on their development. 

The Hastings Business Women's Network has been a supportive group for women in the region for 17 years. 

Women formed the network, because they wanted a place to meet where they felt welcomed and not afraid to attend. 

“It’s an opportunity for business women to get together, to meet others and make new friends,” Ms Archer said. 

Currently the network has about 200 members. 

Being involved in the business group has also been instrumental for Ms Archer. 

“Before I joined the group my public speaking was terrible,” she said. 

“I am now doing things that I never imagined myself doing before.” 

The next AGM will be on October 27 at 6.30am for breakfast. 

At the meeting people will vote for the committee members they want to to represent the network in 2017. 

Guest speaker Skye Petho will address the AGM to talk about the not-for-profit organisation If We Had Wings, which offers support for people while they undergo treatment for cancer.

For more information you can contact the network by emailing hbwnpresident@gmail.com