Making positive steps towards allyship
Simon Navin MCInstCES, Chair, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council, CICES
INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day fell on 8 March, as it has done since being adopted by the UN General Assembly in the 1970s. Remarkably, its origins are as far back as the early Twentieth century. That society has been trying to shine a spotlight on gender disparity and under representation of women across the world and in our industry for over a century, is a stark reminder to me on how slow progress has been and how much there is still to do.
While society has made significant improvements to highlight and address these issues, barriers to entry and advancement still exist. The stories and experiences that have been shared with me from members of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors Women’s Network, such as the use of inappropriate, outdated and ill-thought-out language, openly questioning commitments due to parenting choices and lack of consideration for specific personal protective equipment, sound like something from days gone by but are unfortunately all too current and common.
Our industry has long been male dominated. Stereotypes, questionable recruitment practices, ingrained systemic biases and poor workplace cultures with hostile environments have played their part in keeping representation of women artificially low compared to societal ratios. This leads to a lack of diversity that hampers our ability to innovate and evolve with the customers (or whomever) we serve. Furthermore, outdated perceptions around physical demands still exist to this day (which is quite unbelievable), leading to misconceptions such as women being unsuitable for some site-based roles. This leads to lack of visibility of women role models, further exacerbating the issues and denying aspiring women of the ability to see how they can be successful in their chosen pathway.
Diverse talent
The unique perspectives and capabilities, diverse talent and experiences that everyone brings to our industry must be celebrated and championed. Positive action is needed by those of us in more privileged positions to ensure gender equality can be achieved. This is where male allyship is crucial. Male allies who actively support and make positive, visible steps to dismantle stereotypes and advocate for equitable opportunities for women play a vital role.
Ask yourself these questions to see if you are taking positive steps towards allyship:
- What are you doing to promote inclusivity? Inclusive workplace cultures are highly visible. Take steps to create environments where women feel valuable and respected.
- How are you challenging and dismantling stereotypes?
- Promoting cultures that value skills and capabilities will break down barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in the industry.
- When did you last amplify women’s voices in the workplace? Ensuring women’s perspectives are heard by making space for women to speak, actively seeking contributions, calling out ‘mansplaining’, advocating and supporting opinions openly, and encouraging participation will create a more inclusive and more effective working environment.
- Are you challenging the choices of all-male panels at events, all-male committees or all-male attendees? Many organisations have improved in this area, but we still see predominantly male committees and panels, making it more difficult for aspiring women to see role models and leaders who may best represent them and for some to accept a more balanced workplace.
Male allyship is both a moral and strategic imperative to help achieve positive outcomes. Collectively, the industry can help pave the way for a more equitable, resilient and diverse future if we act openly and with conviction. Everyone should be empowered to thrive, but we need to recognise that additional action needs to be taken to bring about equity.
Take a moment to reaffirm your commitment to a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous future for everyone by doing just one visible thing and by being a champion and an ally.
Simon Navin MCInstCES
Chair EDI Council, CICES
simon.navin@dalcourmaclaren.com
This article was written to mark International Women’s Day and posted on LinkedIn.