Action Alert | Where is the Pledge?
Conference season is about to pick up again, and we’re seeing lots of talk on social media concerning how individuals can take action to support more inclusive event line-ups. YES!
Some of these actions have included pledges, and folks want to know where ours went…
We've put the GenderAvenger Pledge on pause. We’re taking the stance that pledges are passive commitments that can promote posturing by well-intended people with privilege. In this Harvard Business Review article, “How Men Can Become Better Allies to Women,” Johnson and Smith propose that individualistic approaches to solving gender inequities overlook systemic structural causes. Pledges have their place, but every pledge should have an active accountability plan. At GenderAvenger, we know that without accountability, there’s no change.
Which leads to our second issue with promoting our pledge... When someone makes a public statement, the community, often the community of women, is then tasked with holding that individual accountable to their pledge or publicly stated commitment. Holding each other accountable is essential. But we’re finding that individuals need responses and resources that equip them with how to proceed when invited to an event that is not gender-equal or intersectional in representation. We see women and advocates on social media demand men give up their seats at conferences and events. Men should be actively involved in solving the gender inequality issue. But the reality is that giving up your seat is not an intuitive choice when you’re not practiced in doing so or guided to whom you can pass that “seat” to.
No Pledge. So… No Problem???
For those wanting to announce their commitment to gender equality, we are working on something more action-oriented to replace the GenderAvenger Pledge. For now, we are directing everyone to use and share the GenderAvenger Tally. The tally encourages individuals to take real-world action by counting who's present or timing who talks, then displaying that data as a chart for all to see and discuss. Here’s how it works:
Outside of the GenderAvenger Tally, other organizations and individuals have combined accountability measures with public commitments, or they’ve encouraged communities to take action in different creative ways.
We really like what’s going on at HeForShe. They’ve connected their commitments to proven solutions and actionable items that men and individuals with privilege can take to support gender equality.
Some conferences and industries are proactively addressing gender inequality. The Diversity in Maritime Conference and Events Panel Pledge was established to ensure maritime events are inclusive and conferences have diverse panels. If you check out the site, you’ll see three levels of commitment for their pledge and a speaker bank that provides a portfolio of women across the UK maritime sector. Bravo!
Check out the Female Conference Speaker Bingo Card by Dr. Mary Black (@DrMaryBlack). This awesome bingo card has been circulating on social media for some time. It is a great visual representation of conference attendee grievances accompanied by a list of actions individuals can take to advocate for gender equality at events. Secretly, we love the Female Conference Speaker Bingo Card because it’s like our How to Beat the Excuses blog.
Credit: The BMJ Opinion, Mary E Black: “Manels” and what to do about them
We are challenging everyone to think about what’s next.
We’re not here to bash pledges, but all diversity and inclusion commitments require an action plan. How will we evolve beyond the pledge to pursue advocacy and activism that supports systemic change? Some organizations are getting it right! And we hope to learn from these efforts as we evolve the GenderAvenger Pledge.
Community Action: Get Men Timing Who Talks
We’ve run into our fair share of male speakers and events who needed a dose of reality and a stern talking to when it comes to gender equality. But we’ve also discovered that many men and conferences are open to guidance and mentoring. Calling each other out on social media can only do so much. Help us use data and our collective outrage to signal the undeniable imbalances present and our commitment to gender-equal events.
Get male allies to do stuff…
Encourage the men in your networks to use the tally to time how long men talk in meetings as part of their commitment to creating more inclusive and gender-equal spaces. Use the insights from the Time Who Talks feature to start a conversation about how to get women their fair share of air time.
Light the Flame with Inspiring Reads
Many individuals and organizations are helping women claim their place at the table, take their time at the mic, or rise to power and influence. We hope this week’s reads empower and inspire your advocacy.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit promotes gender equality with their new “Pay with Change” ad mandate. The initiative means SI Swim will only feature companies who are committed to gender equality, which will create positive change for women in varied ways.
Acknowledging the genuine risks that exist for those who dare to pursue a better world, United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet says female rights defenders face a “vastly worse” situation than before the pandemic began.
Where are the women in accounting? There’s a struggle for women in entry levels and senior positions. This call to action considers how to change the accounting industry.
P.S. Thank you to everyone who has been participating in #GATallyTuesday! Look out for a reminder on social media each Tuesday to share your tallies!
📣🚨 A pledge without a plan is preposterous! Here’s why we paused the #GenderAvenger Pledge and who is getting it right when it comes to equipping allies with the gender equality tools and resources needed for real change!