Reflecting on 2018

When I first started WeAreTheCity almost 11 years ago there was little or no activity when it came to the progression of women, either politically or in the world of work. In fact I can recall around five women’s networks that were in existence at the time. Now there are over 2000 across the UK (and that’s just the ones that we know about at WeAreTheCity). There was absolutely no talk of increasing women on boards (that came thanks to the amazing 30% Club set up in 2010). There were no charters or pledges for firms to sign up to, no Women’s Equality Party and nothing that forced firms to be transparent about pay. One might assume we have come a long way, however 11 years is quite a long time and we are still nowhere near where we need to be. I’m not going to bombard you with 100’s of depressing stats, and believe me there are 100’s, however what I will say is that the road is long and the challenge for gender parity remains alarmingly real.

On a positive note, we have seen a number of initiatives in 2018 that show things moving in the right direction. We have seen pay gap reporting come in to effect for firms of more than 250 employees, the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Centenary vote, the Women’s Marches going from strength to strength, the rise of MeToo as well as statues erected to celebrate both Millicent Fawcett and Emmeline Pankhurst. My biggest observation this year is around the power of collaboration. Never has been more apparent that so many organisations are working together for various common causes, it is truly wonderful to see. I have always been of the belief that together we are stronger.

As I reflect on 2018, I can’t help but be a little in awe of the amazing organisations and women around me who continue to campaign for parity and equality. Their work knows no bounds. There has definitely been a ground swell over the past few years and it seems to be growing stronger every year. Every day I see individuals and organisations who are helping women to raise their voice, those who are campaigning for more women to stand in politics, those who fight for an end to violence for women and girls, those who are working hard to get women back in to the workforce, those who are pushing part time roles and flex as the norm, not just for women and those who continue to highlight the outright inequalities that still exist in our society for women.

From a WeAreTheCity perspective, 2018 was quite a year. We recognised the achievements of over 200 future leaders through our Rising Star and TechWomen awards, bringing our global total to over 600 women since 2015. We ran twelve events alongside two large conferences covering over 1,500 attendees. We have also grown our reach to over 120,000 women across the UK and served a client base of over 120 organisations.  We have advised our clients, provided advice to not for profits and charities alongside honouring our commitment to having a social purpose in everything we do. I couldn't be more proud of my small, but extremely passionate and effective team. I am also eternally grateful for all of those individuals who help us to do what we do at WeAreTheCity. From sponsors, to champions, to our judges, to speakers at our events and those who open doors of opportunity for us when we are not in the room.  We couldn't do what we do without you. I am externally grateful.

On a personal note, 2018 was quite a year for me too. Alongside running WeAreTheCity, I spoke for over 40 organisations reaching well over 3,000 individuals. It has been an absolute pleasure to and honour to meet so many amazing people and speak for so many firms who are committed to supporting their female pipeline of talent.  Finally, the highlight of 2018 has to be my wonderful OBE. What a special moment that was for my family and me personally. Receiving such an amazing accolade has definitely given me platform to do more, watch this space!

So here we are now in 2019 and already WeAreTheCity is a hive of activity. We are preparing to celebrate our 2018 TechWomen100 at the end of January and open our Rising Star awards in February. This year we will be running in excess of 15 events for our various communities alongside the re-launch of our Job Board and the introduction of our new corporate membership, Investing in Women. It is set to be a hugely rewarding year and I am very much looking forward to our various initiatives and working alongside so many amazing individuals and organisations.

It just leaves me to wish you all a happy new year and wonderful start to 2019. If I or WeAreTheCity can help you or your organisation in anyway, please do not hesitate to get in touch.