In line with this year’s International Women’s Day’s theme of ‘Accelerate Action’, Associated Architects held a roundtable discussion for female colleagues to reflect and celebrate upon the progress already made and discuss how further action can be accelerated.
Accelerate Action Round Table
According to data from the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress it will take until the year 2158 (which is roughly five generations from now) to reach full gender parity. IWD 2025 campaign theme is ‘Accelerate Action’. While the statistics may be better for women in architecture in the UK and are improving (eg. the percentage of new female registrants to the ARB register is increasing towards 50% to reflect the 50% of Part I students that are female) there is still work to be done. Crucially, it is still important to acknowledge and discuss challenges for women studying and working in the Built Environment, and give them the opportunity to share solutions and strategies for change to continue to build an inclusive future.
The round table included a keynote from Senior Architect Hannah Perry, the sharing of achievements we’ve already made as a practice and as individuals, the sharing of experiences, and a productive discussion of practical steps the Practice can take to further accelerate action. Key take aways will be shared with the wider practice to action the suggestions made, continue to share knowledge, and continue allyship as a Practice.
Speaking after the event, keynote speaker Hannah Perry said:
“Bringing together the women across all three offices to discuss the issues we can face as females in our profession today was really engaging and insightful. Creating a platform where we can share and support each other is so important and to see the Practice so encouraging of this is wonderful.”
Architectural Assistant in the Leeds office Grace Reeve said:
“It was inspiring to hear from everyone across the practice today. I definitely feel like we’re all very supportive of each other, and it was great to hear about the experiences of more senior female colleagues, like Hannah, in reaching their position. It was also great to talk about our common experiences as women in architecture – it’s comforting to know we’re not alone in the challenges we face!”
Achievements to date
In the last 12 months, the Practice has taken steps to address some of the industry-wide inequalities that are also apparent across the practice. Achievements include:
- Establishing the AA Women’s Network
- 40% increase in female staff
- Introduction of new protocols eg. Parental Buddy Scheme’ and ‘Enhanced Post-Maternity/Paternity Return to Work protocol’
- Continued uptake of Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave Schemes
- Implementation of new HR protocols to track progress against ED&I targets
- Miscarriage Awareness training for Mental Health First Aider
- Engagement with industry female-orientated groups
- Continued commitment to 50% female work experience placements pledge
- Continued commitment to 50% female young people engaged through Social Value activities
- Christmas gift collection for a female-orientated charity
- CPD and donation to Make Space for Girls
- Ongoing ED&I Awareness Training
Impact
Associate Alex Slatter who spearheaded many of the initiatives including the enhanced maternity/paternity pay policy and return to paid work protocols said:
“Becoming a parent can be a daunting and significant life change in itself. Having a workplace that supports you financially and mentally whilst on leave and during the transition back has been a key reason as to why I’ve grown to feel confident working full time as a mother. I’m passionate about my career and passionate about being a parent – both can be possible! If working mothers have this support, I’d like to think we will close the gender disparities in the Architectural profession.”
Director Steve Townsend added:
“Events like this roundtable provide an important forum for the women of our practice to provide support and encouragement to one another as well as suggesting ways that we can better promote gender parity within our practice. We recognise we still have a long way to go as a practice and as an industry to achieve full gender parity, but we have made some good progress and we are committed to taking further action by actioning the outcomes of this lively and productive discussion.”
