Opinion: we must ensure parity is for all

As a society, we are working harder than ever to ensure there is diversity and equality across all areas of business.

International Women’s Day, which took place on Friday 8 March, celebrates women’s achievements and aims to make the world a better place by making it gender-balanced.

The theme for this year is to think equal, build smart and innovate for change, which puts innovation by and for women at the heart of efforts to achieve gender equality.

Speaking to women in the trade about their experiences of sexism highlights just how important it still is to keep pushing
for equality.

From School of Booze co-founder Jane Peyton saying she was once asked if she was the stripper​ to British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds receiving harassment in her early days in the trade​.

But, things are changing and this issue highlights exactly how this is happening, with women in top jobs, standing up to sexism and recognising that a person’s sex doesn’t and shouldn’t stop them from reaching their full potential.

Everyone, no matter their gender, race or religion, should be recognised for their hard work and what they have achieved.

Hospitality businesses are taking steps to ensure every aspect is equal such as the Alchemist, which places a real emphasis on women in senior roles with 40% of those positions being held by females.

Or pub group Livelyhood building on its success by learning from situations experienced by owner Sarah Wall, who now ensures the message of sexism having no place in hospitality is made very clear.

Women being in senior leadership roles also gives those starting out in the industry role models to aspire to and gives them hope that while the glass ceiling is still around, it is possible to break it and make it to the top.