The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day campaign is #AccelerateAction; we’re standing in solidarity to accelerate action to ensure that it doesn’t take 5 generations from now to achieve gender parity.
Whilst we’re proud to be able to to work for an incredibly progressive business here at Baltimore Consulting, we recognise that this isn’t the case for many businesses in the UK. According to PWC’s women in the workplace report, the gender pay gap in the UK is currently still at 13.5%, meaning that there is still so much to be achieved, and the rate of change simply isn’t happening quickly enough.
One way we can help progress gender equality is through the celebration of women’s achievements an encouraging their success to dismantle systematic barriers that perpetuate inequality.
We asked the team here at Baltimore Consulting, “…Who inspires you when it comes to supporting the advancement of women?”
Mel Robbins
“Mel inspires me because she’s “no nonsense” and embraces being her authentic self in every way.
Her books and podcast have inspired me to be more assertive and to value what I have to bring to the table, whereas previously I was a “yes” person and always put what others wanted before myself.
I feel like this mentality is engrained in many women, but Mel teaches us that we can let others be themselves and act the way they want to, and we can allow ourselves to decide how we want to react and show up every day.”
Anna Whitehouse
“I love Anna’s dedication to ensuring that the law works for people who happen to be parents; she set up the Flex Appeal after she had her flexible working request denied and lost her job, becoming one of the 54,000 women that loses their job, every year, because they’ve had a baby.
Her campaign for flexibility was passed in parliament, and now every single employee can request flexible working from day one – not week 26.
Those that require flexibility are often the ones that are left behind.”
Ian Wright
“It’s important to educate men on how they can be allies, and step up when it comes to gender equality. The first person that came to mind when I was asked this question was Ian Wright.
He has been a huge advocate of promoting women’s football, trying to bring it to the forefront and emulate that of it’s male counterpart when it comes to coverage, pay, media attention, continually striving for equality within sport. He also publicly stands up for female pundits in the game.”
Joeli Brearley MBE
“Joeli Brearley MBE is incredibly inspiring; she’s a British activitist that founded “Pregnant Then Screwed”, a leading charity working to end the motherhood penalty after her own experience of maternity discrimination.
Her work has inspired societal and legislative changes, ensuring that the workplace is more inclusive for women, but I also think her work has helped us to understand our own professional boundaries, gifting us the tools that empower us to fight back against potential discrimination with more confidence.”
Malala Yousafzai
“Wow, what an incredibly inspiring young woman. During a time a extremism ruling which meant Malala and her peers were no longer allowed to go to school, she spoke out publicly for a girl’s right to education and was targeted as a result.
Malala’s story really empowers me to stand up for what I believe in. As a society, we need to be less afraid to call people out and work together to help break down barriers that hold girls back.
She continues to tell her story, not because it is unique, but because it is the story of so many girls. Her courage astounds me.”
Alice Benton
“I’ve known Alice for years, having trained her at the start of her recruitment journey. She’s now 43, and has found who she truly is. Alice is passionate about creating and nurturing her community, running a community garden where she lives and offering bread-making classes from her home.
What’s more is her adoration for her body and how it enables her to achieve everything she has, truly appreciating the gift of life. She’s found her menopausal fitness mojo and has started a new venture called AMPLIFI, which focusses on our ability to empower ourselves and take back control of our lives. I find her posts super inspiring and love what a strong woman she is.”
Andy Murray
“It might sound simple but have you ever heard his interviews?
He’s a constant advocate for women in sport and he champions their success when it’s not recognised on the same platform as men.
He’s an expert in polite education, challenging the norm and educating others whilst not belittling anyone.
He also has an absolute powerhouse of a role model in his mother!”
Millie Bobby Brown
“Millie Bobby Brown is really inspiring when it comes to uplifting women. Having faced media backlash only recently, she’s spoken out about how women should be free to live their lives exactly how they choose.
“Let’s do better, not just for me but for every young girl who deserves to grow up without the fear of being torn apart for simply existing.”
