When the chair of the panel, Sarah Greer, asked her co-speakers if 2018 would be remembered as a turning-point for women, opinions were divided. Some argued that the future was looking bright while others suggested that society was on the cusp of regressing. The point they could agree on was, however, that the conversation had to continue.
Dana Denis-Smith, the founder of Obelisk Support, said, “If we are more focused in what we ask for, we can see that change and track it.” But, establishing exactly what change is needed for women remains difficult.
Professor Maggie Andrews of the University of Worcester noted that progress is seldom linear when it comes to the female condition. “At the moment it’s okay to be a feminist,” she said, arguing that while we move forward, “We quickly move back again.”
Talks shifted to redefining what it means to be a woman. Greer stressed the importance of the voices of women who have been forgotten, with Denis-Smith adding that, “Every single person has a different story and it’s about enabling them to tell that story.”
From securing social care investments to improving flexibility for professional women, the panel agreed that short-term and long-term goals would be achieved by collectively focusing. Choice remained at the heart of the matter with the five self-titled feminists stating that maintaining the momentum is of paramount importance to both women and society as a whole.
If you missed this, you might like event number 179, The Multi-Hyphen Method: Work Less, Create More, and Design a Career That Works for You, at 11.30 on Tuesday 29 May.