Jessica Morgan is CEO and Founder of Carnsight Communications, based between Bristol and Bath.
As the world prepares to mark International Women’s Day, or IWD 2023, we’ve been asking women in media, marketing and creative to share what it all means to them.
Jessica takes us through what she thinks GenZ women should be focusing on, how tech firms have surprised her, and why she champions the four day week…
What does IWD mean to you?
IWD is really important as it shines the spotlight on issues that affect women every day, through all walks of life. Obviously I wish it wasn’t just a once-a-year initiative, but I do think it’s helping to make a longer lasting difference.
This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity – how are you planning to address this year’s theme?
Equity is about inclusivity. We’re an all women team so we talk about this a lot, but for the debate to mean something we’ve all got to talk about it and take action – not just women.
How will this be reflected in your work?
We’ll be sharing our thoughts and opinions and raising awareness through opportunities like this.
Do you think there is enough awareness among GenZ women about how they can support gender equality?
I think GenZ are generally incredibly aware and astute – a lot more so than my generation was at that age. But sadly, they’re still facing similar challenges to those we faced.
Women’s rights is a major news story currently – what is the most pressing issue facing women in the UK right now?
We’ve heard a lot more about the challenges that are particular to women recently – such as the menopause and even the potential for offering period leave – and it will be interesting to see if companies follow through with the additional support they’ve offered.
Overall, it’s probably the gender pay gap as that feeds into every area of life. I’m really encouraged to see that it’s reducing (just over 5% according to government figures) and that more companies have committed to publishing their pay gaps and addressing the issue head on.
But we’re a long way off it not being an issue at all, and we need to keep highlighting that.
How can women in business promote women’s causes effectively with their clients?
It’s important to take steps to have causes you believe in as an organisation and promote those through everything you do. But whether or not you can influence your clients is a separate challenge.
For example, we work a four-day week which helps with work-life balance for the team. And that’s baked into what we do.
Many of our clients are a long way off doing anything like that and we can only promote the benefits, explain why we do it and how it helps us.
What should the government be doing to help ensure gender equity is achieved more quickly?
Keep shining a spotlight – keep up the focus and hold companies who don’t achieve it to account. It’s an ongoing, year-round process.
Where are you seeing the most progress in gender equity?
I’ve been impressed at what some of the companies we work with are doing – especially tech-led companies. It’s not just a bolt-on – it’s a part of the fabric of the business and that’s good to see.
What can men do to support IWD this year?
Get involved. Read and understand the issues, empathise and don’t just see it as a token day that deserves a dedicated LinkedIn post. See equality as something that will benefit everyone and every workplace.
Who’s your most inspirational female role model?
Michelle Obama.