According to the World Economic Forum, it will take until 2158 to reach full gender parity at the current rate of progress.  

This estimate, highlighted in this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) campaign ‘Accelerate Action’, may seem shocking to some but perhaps even conservative to others. As with all change, reaching gender parity at all is dependent on exactly that – change which must be driven by action.

If we are to accelerate this action, organisations and individuals cannot continue to simply pay lip service to an awareness day but must constantly and consistently seek ways in which they can create meaningful change and make progress, not promises.  

Ensuring women’s voices shape the conversation 

Representation and recognition in all spheres are the first steps to equality but to achieve this, women must feel confident in owning their success and making their voices heard. 

Last week, Meeting Place hosted a webinar chaired by our own CEO, Nikki Davies, which focused on why so many women fear speaking publicly or joining a panel discussion. 

The panel – comprising Jo Davis (National Head of Planning, Avison Young & Chair, Real Estate Balance); Olaide Oboh (Managing Director, Populate, Director, Socius & Mentor, The Girls’ Network) and Liza Hughes (Founder & Director, Whynot? Coaching) – discussed how this is often due to a feeling of being underqualified, which isn’t a feeling commonly felt by men.  

Overcoming imposter syndrome 

With a KPMG study finding 75% of female executives have experienced imposter syndrome, it’s clear that this is a huge issue across all sectors, resulting in many women working longer hours, being more stressed and critically not speaking up.  

During the webinar, our panellists gave their advice and tips on how to overcome this feeling, using logic and self-belief to help build confidence. 

Olaide said: “I was terrified. I rejected many requests for a long time. And then I realised that they kept coming and I had to reframe my mind – I must have something to add to this conversation, which is why I’m being asked.” 

How can we start correcting this disparity? We must first build confidence, by recognising our own strengths and learning how to handle nerves.  

Nikki added: “Those butterflies and nerves you feel before you speak are your body’s way of telling you that you are ready. Let them and your preparation carry you through the experience. Everyone on this panel shared how they were terrified before their first panel or public speaking gig and we all still get a bit nervous today. Reframing those nerves as a positive rather than negative sign of what’s to come can make all the difference.” 

Industry allies turning collective action into lasting impact 

The IWD 2025 campaign calls for us to ‘step forward in solidarity’, using strength in numbers to push for progress in gender equality.  

This month, Meeting Place Senior Account Manager, Emily Coombes, was voted onto the committee for Women in Property South West as SW Events Team – PR Lead. 

With its motto of Aspire. Succeed. Inspire, Women in Property (WiP) fosters opportunities, drives change and enhances knowledge for women in the property and construction sector.  

To mark IWD 2025, WiP hosted an empowering ‘Sweatworking’ event, organised by new Chair Maddie Difazio-Wright and led by female coaches at Empire Fighting Chance (EFC), an award-winning sport for development charity with an inspiring team of coaches, therapists and mentors, based in Bristol.  

The event culminated in a visit to Extract Coffee Roasters, where attendees heard the coaches’ own stories of personal development with EFC and enjoyed ‘Betty Espresso 2025’ Madremonte coffee, supporting the women coffee farmers of Huila in Columbia. 

Emily is looking forward to helping drive positive change and empowerment during her year’s term on committee.

Want to join the conversation?  

If you missed our webinar but are interested to find out more, please get in touch – we’d love to hear what you have to say: hello@meeting-place.uk