Posted Friday 5th March 2021
Choose to Challenge is the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day. We spoke with two of our key clients to hear about a time they have witnessed gender inequality in the workplace and any instances where it has or hasn’t been challenged. Gender inequality is not always obvious or intentional – unconscious bias is much to blame for the inequality we see and experience. It touches many different industries.
Each client is viewing gender inequality from their perspective. Thank you to Catherine Salway, Founder of Redemption Bar and Rebekah Brown, Founder of MPowder for sharing their insights into these pertinent issues.
A time where you have witnessed gender bias / inequality which has been subsequently been challenged by yourself or others…
“When I was first being mooted to be Group Brand Director of Virgin Group, a very senior director said, “She doesn’t look like a brand director” and my boss who was putting me forward said, “Pay attention to what she says rather than how she looks”. Once I was in the role, someone else said to my face, “The thing is you don’t have gravitas, we need a man with grey hair in the room” and I said, “Perhaps what we really need is the room NOT to be filled with men with grey hair”. People did listen and things did change after that. Not that I am grey-ist of course.”
Where it hasn’t been challenged…
“I was doing a lot of media interviews to highlight my company Redemption (talking about alcohol issues and vegan food – it was London’s only alcohol-free, vegan restaurant). Whilst I was really grateful for the opportunities, I got a bit tired of having to spend hours in hair and makeup and I must have said a million times, “If I was a male entrepreneur, all I would need to do would be to put on my check shirt and chinos, and I’d be done”. The pressure on women in the public eye to be gorgeous and glamorous is one of the big bastions of misogyny that needs to be toppled. Up Mary Beard, I say!”
Advice or tips….
“My advice would be to gently point out to the person in question that their comments or actions made you feel uncomfortable, giving them the chance to realise, learn and grow from the experience. In my experience, most people are good people who might be showing bias unconsciously and when it is pointed out to them they are really open to learn, grow and change.”
A time where you have witnessed gender bias / inequality which has been subsequently been challenged by yourself or others…
“I view menopause as both a gender equality and a diversity issue. 1 in 5 women will leave the workplace during this lifestage. And 1 in 3 will consider it. That is a woeful drain of brilliance from businesses everywhere. It limits the horizons of women earlier in their careers because they don’t see ‘themselves’ in the leadership team. It impacts on culture because companies lose the wisdom that comes with age. And it impacts that individual who leaves too soon – and who often feels it is somehow ‘their fault’. It also perpetuates the myth that menopause is a period to ‘step down’. When actually is it the very time we should be ‘stepping up’!
Our mission, as a business focused on female health during menopause, is to reframe midlife as a superpower.
We challenge inherited societal narratives by encouraging women to share the real stories. We work to support women in supporting each other in all facets of life. We encourage them to learn about their hormones – and to learn what they need in midlife to nourish their bodies and minds. And we work with businesses to become better informed and develop better support systems to keep good people well.
Because, we know what women are capable of when they’re fully supported in this transitory phase of life – and that, put simply, is EVERYTHING.”
Where it hasn’t been challenged…
“The stats tell a sobering story. Just 2.1% of public funding goes towards women’s reproductive health research. Research into erectile dysfunction outstrips research into PMS 5 to 1. It’s not been challenged because, in the medical community, ‘male’ remains the default. Too often, women are viewed as ‘tiny men’. Yet every cell in our body has a sex. Female wellness needs equal billing with male health. It needs investment, now. To research, to innovate – to offer greater choice. The world will be better, for all of us, for it.
The good news is change is coming. The last 24 months has seen an explosion in innovation and entrepreneurship in the menopause sphere. Those businesses we see hitting the headlines now have had to fight harder and hustle longer to even make it to the starting blocks. But those women leaders will reshape female sectors in a female form. We can not wait to see what happens next.”
MPowder is the world’s first plant-based supplement powder range crafter to target the three distinct biochemical stages of the menopause.
Redemption Bar is a based vegan restobar, providing a balance of healthy and indulgent options in the heart of the West End.
This article is for reference purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking or deciding not to take any action.
This month Simon Wallis seized the opportunity to speak with inspirational public figure, Kayam Iqbal, to find out his views and first-hand experiences on some of the critical issues that are being addressed as part of International Men’s Day.
As we continue to support The Brain Tumour Charity this year, we decided to take on the Twilight Walk through the month of October to raise money.
“Joelson are hugely supportive of our objectives and campaign for gender balance, providing professional, clear and helpful advice. They are a key partner in our journey.”
