Gender equality has been the subject of much local and national debate. Locally, discussion has focused on the lack of women in the Cabinet of the Combined Authority, and nationally, there has been much debate on the gender pay gap; the barriers women face in the work place across sectors, and the #MeToo movement.

This provocation recognises the barriers that women face – we all know the stats: men are 40% more likely than their female colleagues to be promoted into management roles (Chartered Management Institute); fewer than 1 in 5 senior roles in business are held by women (Grant Thornton); and women in Western Europe are more likely than their male colleagues to aim for executive roles (48%, compared to 44% men), but only a quarter of women think they will achieve that goal, compared with nearly half of men.

This debate will acknowledge the problems and barriers that exist, including the question of diverse leadership and how some women have more difficulty than others whether because of class, race, age, sexuality, or disability. The debate will focus predominantly on the practical steps and solutions needed to overcome the barriers and what needs to be done to help women and what lessons/areas of good practice can we learn from the public, private and third sectors.

Keynote speaker
Professor Dame Janet Beer: Vice Chancellor, University of Liverpool

Confirmed Panellists
Erika Rushton: Chair, Baltic Creative CIC; Director, Beautiful Ideas Company; member of the Women’s Leadership Group

Ann O’Byrne: Deputy Mayor, Liverpool City Council

David Holdsworth: Chair, Institute of Directors in Liverpool; Chief Operating Officer, Charity Commission

Joanne Anderson: Business Manager, The Florrie; member of the Women’s Leadership Group