International Women's Day 2019 - we've come a long way, haven't we?

International Women’s Day is once again upon us, and I thought I’d write my observations from over the past year and the lessons learned:

1.      Someone talking about diversity, inclusion and equality is a bit like someone talking about sex or power or money:

There is a common view that those who have to tell people they are powerful probably aren’t, the reasoning extends to sex and money as well. Is it fair to say that those who talk about Diversity and Inclusion being part of their DNA may be trying too hard?

If employees feel their work environment is safe, they can bring their full selves to work, are treated with respect and dignity, are helped and supported through adversity, then it’s likely that their culture is one of kindness and care, that is not at the expense of strong commercialism or values, it’s about ensuring the best for the most valued asset of a firm – it’s talent.

2.      There are some men see the business opportunity of being more inclusive – but not always for the right reasons:

Helena Morrisey in “It’s a good time to be a girl” encouraged the activist reader to focus on the commercial gain from a more inclusive workplace – greater financial rewards, higher yields and returns on investment, greater profits. Her position is much to be applauded.

However, some executives feel they can espouse the virtues of inclusion but still question a Woman’s capability. A common issue raised by men this year - why they should consider women returning from Mat Leave for promotion as it’s in essence a holiday and unfair on the men. Gentlemen… focus on the best person for the job -  skills and capability rather than tenure. 

3.      In the future our children and our children’s children will be horrified by some of the things we see as normal today:

Penna have a compulsory training course for inclusion. I’ve attended it. We viewed a painful and overtly sexist video from the 1970’s. On screen – “Parky” - a beloved chat show host interviewing an actress (now a Hollywood Superstar and a Dame). Helen Mirren gave as good as she got, calling out and not playing along to the innuendo fueled questioning from the “professional journalist host” who’d spend much of his working life with the “state broadcaster”. What chance did little girls of that day have?

We will all fall foul of this, I am sure in the future. When I am faced with overt discrimination I try to be very kind. I hope to educate on how to do things better without patronizing. I’m not perfect - I do sharply talk over men who try to talk over me….

The goal ought to be to make an ally not an enemy for our journey together on equality. If we can operate for the common good, we may just develop an inclusive, safe, diverse and equal culture, making employees, employers and stakeholders happy with the outcome. 

Joanne Cumper leads Digital & Data at Penna, you can contact her on [email protected]