In our lifetimes, we have seen incredible progress for women – in business, politics and all across society. We have been part of that change, and been supported and inspired by women who went before us.
There are, however, telling gaps in the area of economic policymaking. There has still been no woman governor of the Bank of England, or permanent secretary to the Treasury. Damningly, the post of chancellor of the exchequer is more than 800 years old – and every one has been a man.
That isn’t because of a lack of talent. We’ve seen hugely talented women of all political persuasions take leading roles, from Margaret Thatcher to Barbara Castle, Harriet Harman to Theresa May. The progress for representation of women in parliament is an important achievement, which we should all take pride in. But we must not rest on our laurels.
The exclusion of women from economic posts poses difficult questions for our politics. We have seen it in business and we know the same is true in politics and economics: women’s underrepresentation in economic decision-making has consequences. On issues from flexible working, to childcare arrangements, to the undervalued work that women disproportionately do in upholding economic activity, we have made only gradual progress in recent decades.
In this election, there is an opportunity for change. As business leaders, we have had the opportunity to meet with Rachel Reeves and talk to her about her plans for the economy. We have appreciated her openness to business, and her commitment to a genuine plan for economic growth.
Whoever wins this election, we should not ignore the chance to make real, tangible progress.
Julie Abraham CEO, Richer Sounds
Janette Bell Managing director, First Bus
Faeth Birch CEO UKMEA, FGS Global
Karen Blackett Former president, WPP; UK chancellor, University of Portsmouth; founder, Black Equity Organisation
Alexandra Depledge CEO, Resi
Sonia Friedman Theatre producer; founder, Sonia Friedman Productions
Irene Hays Chair and owner, Hays Travel
Nicola Mendelsohn Head of the global business group, Meta
Sue O’Brien Chair and founder, Right Strategy
Rachel Pendered Founder, Media Zoo Group
Stella Smith Founder and CEO, Pirkx
Jo Whitfield CEO, Matalan
Emma Woods Chair, Ancient+Brave; chair, Tortilla Mexican Grill plc
• All signatories signed this letter in a personal capacity.
