Gender Equality and Culture: Be the Change

My 11-year old daughter was one of only two girls when she took part in the MCC Cricket Academy at Lord’s cricket ground during half-term but, even so, it made me realise just how far we have come. I am encouraged and reassured that for her generation there are no barriers and believe that, whatever struggles we currently face regarding gender equality and diversity, such problems really will be a ‘thing of the past’ in less than a decade.

Whilst being a minority is challenging, there is a real sense of achievement in stepping out of stereotype and performing as well as the next person. In my daughter’s words, ‘it made me try harder and improved my cricket!’ Isn’t that exactly what it’s about? Challenging ourselves, breaking down barriers and persevering with things that aren’t easy. This is the way to achieve change, to make progress and move the dial on culture.

Workplaces can do much to facilitate change but progress will only happen when individuals are prepared to be brave, and take ownership of their destiny. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said: “You must be the change that you wish to see in the world.”