‘Men key to gender equality’ – report

MEN are the “missing ingredient” to achieving gender equality, claims a new report by a Welsh charity which aims to improve the position of women in the economy,

According to the research by Chwarae Teg, men in Welsh workplaces aren’t as aware of the extent to which inequality still impacts on women’s working lives – 31% of men who responded said that they believe that gender equality has been achieved, compared to 13% of women.

The report, Men’s Perception of Gender Equality, carried out as part of Chwarae Teg’s Agile Nation 2 programme, which is part-funded by the European Social Fund through Welsh Government, examines men’s perceptions of gender equality, and their experiences of gender dynamics in the workplace. It focused on male-dominated industries.

It is estimated that the economic benefit of closing the gender pay gap across the UK could add as much as £150bn to the economy, primarily through accelerating productivity and economic growth. However, the report found that the men who participated in the research were often unaware of the benefits of gender equality, to themselves, or to their workplace as a whole.

Stereotypes were also found to be prevalent in Welsh workplaces, with 29% of the men surveyed expressing the view that women with children don’t have the same ambition as women without, as well as negative views about part-time and flexible work, in particular.

Natasha Davies, Policy and Research Lead at Chwarae Teg said: “Gender equality makes sound economic sense, it isn’t just a ‘women’s issue’, therefore it’s worrying that, from our survey, it would seem that many men do not recognise that inequality is still an issue. “With men still dominating senior positions, their view and attitude towards gender equality can have a significant impact on workplace culture and the extent to which initiatives which aim to accelerate equality are promoted.

“They act as ‘gatekeepers’ for other colleagues, so it is absolutely crucial that they are on board.”