Office Inequality: Is the Glass Ceiling Still Intact?

"Why do we even need International Women's Day? I mean, women have got it made in the UK, right?"

Every year, like clockwork, we hear some version of this statement. And sure, the UK has made some significant strides, but guess what? Just this week, I've stumbled upon not one, not two, but a whopping four glaring examples of why we've still got work to do.

Personally, I've been fortunate to have some incredible female role models throughout my life and career. My mum, for starters, is a police sergeant – a role you wouldn't typically associate with women. Then there was my first boss – a female Director and award-winning entrepreneur. Oh, and let's not forget all the amazing co-workers and women in senior roles who've inspired me along the way.

So yes, there has been progress, but let's not break out the champagne just yet. The gender gap is still very much a reality, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why.

Education

Recently, I had the opportunity to get involved with Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME), a fantastic initiative aimed at encouraging women to pursue careers in these fields. What did I discover? Young girls aren't being nudged in that direction as much as they should be. Despite excelling in their studies, many girls still face age-old gender stereotypes when it comes to career advice.

Even though I was a math whiz myself, I kept getting directed towards "traditional" female occupations like nursing or teaching. Talk about perpetuating those old biases! It's high time the education system steps up and actively promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and leadership roles for girls.

Here's an idea: let's encourage schools to launch initiatives similar to WiME, breaking down stereotypes, introducing girls to diverse role models, and providing hands-on experience in STEM subjects. We should empower girls to explore their interests freely and establish mentorship programs to help them overcome barriers. Let's ensure that girls have an equal opportunity to excel in STEM and leadership roles. It's time to challenge the status quo!

Balancing Responsibilities

Imagine this: a friend of mine recently approached a recruiter (I won't reveal names) when she wanted to work part-time – just 30 hours a week – because she had a child to care for. Not an unreasonable request, right? Shockingly, she was essentially told, "Don't expect a decent salary if you're working part-time. My wife can go part-time because she's in an admin job – she just leaves work when she wants."

Hold on a minute! Many women aren't just career experts; they're also juggling family, partners, and numerous other responsibilities. The demands of both personal and professional life can make it feel like they're being pulled in opposite directions – one as a family caregiver and the other as a high-performing professional.

Today, we have options like hybrid work, remote setups, and flexible hours. So why do some companies persist in outdated thinking, believing that productivity can only be achieved by sitting at a desk for 40 hours a week?

Voicing our Opinions

During a recent event I attended, "Women in Digital Health: Our Impact, Our Future," an audience member asked the panel, "How can I get people to listen to me?" We all shared a good-natured laugh because, let's be honest, we've all been there at some point. It's a scenario where women in senior roles are often talked over or asked to handle menial tasks, sometimes with inappropriate comments thrown in. Even the most determined woman may find herself struggling to assert her rightful place in the room and to ensure her voice is heard and valued.

Now, picture the dynamic world of boardrooms and corporate meetings, where a similar scenario often plays out. Men continue to dominate the conversation, drowning out their female colleagues, irrespective of their expertise or seniority. It's like an endless game of verbal tag. This isn't just inconvenient; it's a significant obstacle to the diversity of voices and perspectives necessary for informed decision-making. It perpetuates a culture of inequality. Despite making progress towards gender equality, the issue of men talking over women persists, reminding us of the need to promote inclusivity and respect in professional spaces. It's high time we shed light on this problem and ensure that everyone's voice gets the spotlight in the boardroom, regardless of their gender or identity.

Government Representation

At the same event, Dame Diana Johnson addressed the glaring lack of gender balance within the UK government with a blend of wit and wisdom.

The UK government doesn't even have a maternity policy – it's almost unbelievable. As you can imagine, the room couldn't help but shake their heads in disbelief and share a chuckle at the absurdity of it all. After all, how can we expect our unique needs as women to be represented and advocated for when those in power are inadvertently excluding us from the equation? Dame Diana's words struck a chord, serving as a humorous yet thought-provoking reminder that it's high time every voice is heard, and every policy considers all of us. And it's not just the government; many influential organisations that impact women are led by men.

In conclusion

These short four episodes remind us that the fight for gender equality is far from over. Despite the remarkable progress we've made in the UK, stubborn stereotypes persist. The gender pay gap, the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, the challenges faced by mothers, and media stereotypes – they're all pieces of the puzzle.

To build a fairer society, we must continue to challenge stereotypes and advocate for change. Whether it's policies or workplace practices, let's stay vigilant. By speaking out and addressing these issues head-on, we can keep progressing towards a world where gender equality is not a mere dream but a reality for all UK women. Let's sustain the conversation and collaborate to create a future where women can be themselves, free from outdated norms, and where we all celebrate feminism as a force for good.

With pride and an unwavering feminist spirit, Louise