March 7, 2022
Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all. #BreakTheBias
Celebrate women’s achievements. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
Today we would like to celebrate some of the amazing women we have that are part of our Youth Fed team.
Hear from Lynsey Whitley, Director of Fundraising and Communications on her thoughts this International Women’s Day:
What have you/Youth fed done to be more inclusive and drive change?
I think that having an equal representation of women on Youth Fed’s senior leadership team is something I’m very proud to be a part of and I do love Youth Fed’s whole ethos around supporting young people whatever their background.
My family wasn’t well off and it was quite a financial burden to get through university with me having 2 jobs to help pay for it so I am now more mindful when I’m recruiting staff that asking for a degree is an ‘essential’ on job ads excludes people.
Change doesn’t happen overnight and there’s plenty more we can all be doing but our values are a good starting point.
What would an international future that is diverse, equitable and inclusive mean to you?
That’s a tough question! For me, equality of opportunity is key. I’m lucky that I work in an environment that is very supportive and inclusive but that’s just one part of life.
As a competitive amateur female cyclist, I see so many inequalities in my chosen sport so that ‘perfect’ future would involve parity around opportunities to participate, prize money, coverage and fair competition. Changes are starting to happen but we know we have a way to go when a top professional female cyclist was given a man’s watch as a prize for winning a race!
Which woman do you think lives these values and inspires you?
I take inspiration from lots of places, and not just women – men definitely need to be part of the conversation! I really like how the journalist and Eurosport presenter Orla Chennaoui is an ambassador for women and not afraid to cover the hard topics, like how some young women were exploited in sport. I also love how honest she is about telling her own young daughter about the realities of an unequal world, but best of all, how passionate she is about building up women and supporting their success.