In a bold and visionary step toward accelerating gender equity in leadership, the UK G100 Club’s “Closing the Gender Gap” Higher Education & Industry Connect Advisory Council Wing convened a landmark meeting at the British Houses of Parliament. This pivotal gathering brought together a diverse coalition of changemakers committed to building a more inclusive and representative future.

 

The event was organised in collaboration with the University of East London’s Royal Docks School of Business and Law (RDSBL) and its flagship initiative, the Noon Centre for Equality & Diversity. The audience featured a dynamic mix of academics, students, industry professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from across sectors—highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary engagement in advancing gender parity.

 

The session was hosted by James Asser MP, representing West Ham and Beckton, who underscored the significance of the Parliament as a symbolic and strategic venue for conversations on equity. He noted the encouraging progress in gender representation in UK Parliament—from a mere 11% in 1995 to 40% in 2025. However, he also emphasized that true equity requires systemic transformation across all sectors, not just political representation.

 

The event featured a compelling line-up of speakers whose contributions captured the depth and urgency of gender-focused reform.

Key voices

Professor Siraj Sait, Director of the Noon Centre, presented sobering statistics about global workforce inequality, noting that despite women comprising 41.9% of the workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles and decision-making positions.

 

Councillor Lakmini Shah from the London Borough of Newham delivered a moving account of her journey into public service. As a woman of ethnic background, she candidly shared how she overcame linguistic and cultural barriers—becoming a role model for underrepresented communities striving to participate in politics.

 

Sandra Murphy, currently the UK’s only known Black female Equine Scientist, addressed the urgent need for increased visibility and representation of women—particularly women of color—in the STEM and research sectors. Her story served as a powerful testament to both the challenges and triumphs of breaking new ground.

 

MP Uma Kumaran, representing Stratford and Bow, offered strong support for the initiative. She praised the forum for creating a safe space for impactful dialogue, reaffirming the critical role women must play in shaping legislation, public discourse, and institutional values.

 

Colin Burton, in partnership with Dr. Doirean Wilson, unveiled an exciting youth-led, multi-agency initiative. This forward-thinking program aims to equip young people with the tools and perspectives needed to drive gender equity from a young age—planting the seeds for long-term systemic change.

 

One guest encapsulated the day’s spirit by describing the event as:

“An impactful gathering that advanced strategic dialogue on accelerating gender equity—an essential step toward closing gender disparities now and in the future.”

 

The discussions and insights gathered during the session will inform a forthcoming policy recommendation document, intended to shape educational, governmental, and corporate strategies on gender equity. This tangible outcome underscores the UK G100 Club’s commitment to translating dialogue into concrete, systemic action.

 

The UK G100 Club, through this significant convening, reaffirmed its position as a leading force in the global gender equity movement. By aligning diverse voices, lived experiences, and visionary strategies under one roof, the event marked a turning point in the journey toward inclusive, representative leadership.

 

Convenor:

Dr. Doirean Wilson

G100 UK Country Chair, Higher Education & Industry Connect Wing