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One in seven women ''have had their finances controlled in recent months''

Empowering Women: Sam Smethers Reflects on Gender Equality Strides and Challenges Ahead

In a candid and insightful discussion, Sam Smethers, the outgoing chief executive of the Fawcett Society, Britain's leading charity for women's rights, shares her thoughts on the evolving landscape of gender equality in the UK. As she prepares to step down after seven years at the helm, Smethers emphasizes the urgent need for more women in positions of power, highlighting both the progress made and the persistent barriers that continue to hinder true parity. The conversation, which touches on everything from political representation to workplace discrimination, underscores the Fawcett Society's pivotal role in advocating for systemic change. Smethers' reflections come at a time when gender issues are increasingly in the spotlight, influenced by movements like #MeToo and ongoing debates about pay equity.

Smethers begins by recounting her journey with the Fawcett Society, an organization named after Millicent Fawcett, the suffragist who played a key role in securing women's right to vote in the early 20th century. Under her leadership, the society has campaigned tirelessly on issues such as the gender pay gap, violence against women, and the underrepresentation of women in politics and business. One of the standout achievements during her tenure has been the push for mandatory gender pay gap reporting, which became law in 2017. This policy requires companies with 250 or more employees to publish data on the differences in pay between male and female staff. Smethers notes that while this has brought greater transparency, the gap remains stubbornly wide, standing at around 14.9% in the UK as of recent figures. She argues that without enforceable targets and penalties, progress will be slow, and she calls for bolder government intervention to close the divide.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around women's representation in politics. Smethers praises figures like Jess Phillips, the Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, who has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and has spoken openly about the abuse and harassment faced by female politicians. Phillips, known for her forthright style and her work on domestic violence, exemplifies the kind of resilient leadership Smethers believes is essential. However, Smethers laments the fact that women still make up only about 34% of MPs in the House of Commons, a figure that has improved but falls short of parity. She references the Fawcett Society's campaigns, such as the "Power to the Women" initiative, which aims to encourage more women to enter politics by providing training, mentorship, and support networks. Smethers shares anecdotes from her interactions with aspiring female leaders, many of whom face imposter syndrome or familial pressures that deter them from pursuing public office.

The conversation also delves into the role of education in fostering gender equality. Smethers highlights collaborations with institutions like London Metropolitan University, which has been a partner in research and events focused on women's economic empowerment. For instance, the university's studies on the impact of childcare costs on women's careers have informed Fawcett's policy recommendations. Smethers stresses that education is a cornerstone of change, advocating for curricula that challenge gender stereotypes from an early age. She points to programs that teach boys and girls about consent, equality, and shared responsibilities in the home and workplace. Without addressing these foundational attitudes, she warns, societal progress will remain superficial.

Shifting to the business world, Smethers addresses the "glass ceiling" that prevents women from ascending to top executive roles. She cites statistics showing that only 8% of FTSE 100 CEOs are women, a dismal figure that reflects deep-seated biases in corporate culture. The Fawcett Society has worked with businesses to promote inclusive practices, such as flexible working arrangements and paternity leave, which help balance the load of caregiving that disproportionately falls on women. Smethers shares success stories from companies that have implemented these changes, resulting in higher retention rates for female employees and improved overall productivity. However, she criticizes the lack of diversity on boards, where women of color and those from working-class backgrounds are even more underrepresented. Intersectionality is a key theme in her remarks, as she urges a more nuanced approach that considers race, class, and disability alongside gender.

One of the more poignant parts of the interview involves Smethers' personal motivations and the emotional toll of advocacy work. She speaks openly about the backlash she has faced, including online abuse and threats, which are all too common for women in public roles. Drawing parallels with Jess Phillips' experiences—Phillips has famously read out the names of women killed by men in Parliament—Smethers calls for stronger protections against harassment. She believes that social media platforms and governments must do more to safeguard activists and politicians. Despite these challenges, Smethers remains optimistic, crediting the resilience of the women's movement and the energy of younger generations, including Gen Z feminists who are using digital tools to amplify their voices.

Looking ahead, Smethers outlines her vision for the future of gender equality. She advocates for a "feminist recovery" from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated inequalities by pushing many women out of the workforce due to increased caregiving demands. Policies like affordable childcare, equal parental leave, and support for women in STEM fields are high on her agenda. She also touches on global issues, noting how UK policies influence international standards, and praises organizations like UN Women for their work on gender-based violence worldwide.

In reflecting on her time at Fawcett, Smethers expresses pride in milestones such as the society's centenary celebrations and its influence on legislation like the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Yet, she is clear that the fight is far from over. "We need to see more women in power," she asserts, echoing the article's title. This means not just numerical representation but meaningful influence in decision-making processes. Smethers encourages readers to get involved, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply challenging everyday sexism.

The discussion extends to cultural shifts, with Smethers commenting on media portrayals of women. She critiques the tabloid focus on female politicians' appearances rather than their policies, using examples from recent elections. Collaboration with figures like Jess Phillips has helped counter this, as Phillips' book "Truth to Power" and public speeches have inspired many. Smethers also mentions ongoing research at London Metropolitan University on media bias, which could inform future campaigns.

Economically, Smethers dives into the "pink tax" and how women often pay more for similar products, compounding financial inequalities. She calls for consumer awareness and regulatory measures to address this. In the realm of health, she highlights disparities in medical research, where conditions affecting women, like endometriosis, receive less funding.

As Smethers steps down, she leaves a legacy of advocacy that has mobilized thousands. Her successor will inherit a robust organization poised for further impact. In closing, she urges a collective effort: "Equality isn't just a women's issue; it's a societal one." This extensive reflection not only summarizes her tenure but also serves as a call to action for continued progress in gender equality across all sectors.

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Read the Full London Evening Standard Article at:
[ https://www.standard.co.uk/business/money/sea-sam-smethers-london-metropolitan-university-jess-phillips-b1239136.html ]