Recommendations for Female Speakers/Topics for Work

[BuffysBigSister]

I posted a while ago about my work (financial services, pretty conservative company) organising a manel to talk about how men could help women get ahead. Now we're having an online presentation by another man on how men can be allies and help women conquer their fears 😡

I emailed our (female) head of EDI and our new female CEO and have had a really positive response to my concern that the company is centring men in this discussion. They've made it clear they want to hear alternative views like mine i.e. less "be kind, don't upset the men" and more "let's smash the patriarchy" (OK, maybe don't go that far!) I want to try to make a positive contribution, so I wondered if anyone could suggest any female speakers I could put forward for an event (probably online).

As an indication of the type of thing that might be acceptable to work (remember, they are pretty conservative), the Head of EDI mentioned being impressed with Laura Bates. Or instead of a specific female, maybe just some ideas on the type of subject matter which might be interesting to women in a corporate environment.

[vivariumvivariumsvivaria]

Elaine Miller is good at speaking about menopause in the workplace. She's funny, qualified and on her as Gussie.

Don't know how much she charges but I heard her online at Fife council event. She was very engaging, the men liked it too!

[JoyousAsOtters]

What about Caroline Criado Perez on the Sex Data Gap?

[BuffysBigSister]

Thanks for the suggestions. Caroline Criado Perez would be great but would depend on cost. I was at the event in Edinburgh where Elaine Miller spoke and she is great too. I had a really good chat with our CEO today and she is very much onboard but has to be mindful of the global leadership. We agreed on a lot so I am feeling positive about suggesting speakers/topics with a definite female focus. A reminder that it is always worth speaking up.

[NinetyPercent]

Hi @BuffysBigSister are you still looking for suggestions? I have a few, but they might be outing so I wondered if I could PM you? Thanks

[VaginaRegina]

Viv Groskop is a really good speaker. Her book, "How to Own the Room" is great too.

[sashh]

I think they have a cheek having any man speak about this. It's like they are saying that he is a knight on a white charger coming to rescue the little ladies.

What about having some of the women in the workplace give a presentation on their experiences?

Do you really need speakers from outside your company? You have a resource right there that is being ignored.

Not just at the workplace but other things, if you female colleague arrives in work a bit grumpy don't assume it is her 'time of the month' she might have been sexually assaulted on the way to work.

Men just don't even consider it, but unless you are in a car solo, then it happens. Even if you are in your car you might be pulled over by the police and that is quite scary for women.