This Women's History Month, we're sharing insights from some of the exceptional women at Edelman: their stories, opinions and vision for the path forward to a better, and more equitable future.
This year’s IWD theme is about Embracing Equity and forging equity isn’t limited to women solely fighting for change, allies play an important role in change. Who have you identified as allies throughout your career?
Whilst his influence spans much further than just within my career, my dad has been a hugely influential figure for me from a career perspective. As a father of three daughters (poor man) he has always been a champion for us personally - coaching, mentoring and offering words of advice when it comes to navigating complex issues within the workplace. He taught us that gender was negligent when compared to intelligence, empathy and hard work - and that you should be recognised for your performance as opposed to your sex. I am also aware that having daughters has certainly changed the way in which he builds teams and makes decisions within his own organisation. A true ally from my perspective.
In your opinion, how do our individual actions, conversations, behaviours and mindsets have an impact on our larger society?
As a leader, every corridor conversation, piece of constructive feedback or action you take has an impact. But it isn’t just confined to leadership – everybody - regardless of their level, gender, race or sexuality has a role to play when it comes to embracing equity. Embracing equity is about championing it within your sphere of influencer, but also calling it out when you can see that it isn’t happening, which takes courage.
What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the next generation of women?
Whilst this feels like an acutely UK specific issue, from my perspective the lack of affordable childcare within the UK is going to significantly affect the next few generations to come. Recent data from PWC shows that the gender pay gap is widening four times faster in the UK than the average for the OECD, primarily due to the financial penalty from motherhood - and the gap is continuing to grow. Women in the UK are being failed by the government - and both businesses and the wider economy are suffering as a result. Edelman’s competitive pay, benefits and flexible working policies go some way to fixing these issues, unless the government implements significant change, the workplace of the future will be significantly impacted.
What does elevating and advancing gender parity in technology and celebrating the women forging innovation look like to you?
Whilst the technology industry has come a long way in terms of advancing gender parity, there is still work to be done, which starts at the grass roots level. It’s vital that women are encouraged to study STEM subjects at school, and take technology focused degrees. However, there are more role models for women entering the industry than ever before, and it’s our job as communicators to raise awareness of these female success stories in the technology industry so young women entering the industry have relevant role models. One example here is Nicola Mendelsohn, VP Global Business Group at Meta, who is using her platform to inspire, and act as a role model, for the next generation of women in technology and entrepreneurship.
ABOUT ABIGAIL LLOYD-PRESCOTT
Abigail Lloyd-Prescott is a Director in the London Technology team.
