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Portrait of a group of confident young businesspeople working together in a modern office

In a world where the call for equality sounds louder than ever, the recognition that we, both men and women, must see this as a common goal is crucial. Recently, I was invited to attend the “Be the Change: Close the Gender Gap” Roundtable event. The speaker was Lee Chambers, inclusion and allyship campaigner and founder of Male Allies UK. As a man I was nervous about attending an event that surely would be “for women”, and equally unsure what I could contribute to the conversation. However, I was determined to support the organisers and the #mindthegapcommunity; and also, curious to hear more about the concept of allyship.Reflecting on my career, I realise that my approach has always aligned with the principles of allyship, even though I had not labelled it as such. Actively listening, and educating myself on issues I find difficult to address, have all been actions I have tried to uphold. This approach has consistently worked for me, and the event only reaffirmed its importance. At the event, I had the pleasure of meeting some extraordinary women, all passionately committed to making a difference.Listening to Lee's story and his powerful messages, I understood that I did indeed have something to add to the conversation. It is shocking and saddening that, in the 2020s, we still face a significant gender gap – or chasm, as Lee aptly described it. Over the past two decades I had believed that such disparities were actually diminishing – how wrong I was.Even with the release of data-based insights, most recently in the “Gender Pay Gap in Jersey” report issued by Statistics Jersey in March 2025, there are some who believe the gap is a myth. Certainly, pay discrimination based on gender is illegal, but the gender pay gap is still evident for all to see. It arises from women facing structural barriers that limit their career advancement, including unconscious bias, lack of mentorship, and taking on the burden of family caregiving responsibilities. Given some of the comments I have heard and seen, its easier to dismiss the data than to address the problems.What alarmed me further was the realisation there is a “lost" generation of adolescent boys and men who feel like second-rate citizens. This highlights a pressing need to listen to and support these young people. I do strive to support boys and young men within my circle of families and friends, talking and listening to them brings a very different perspective. Blaming the internet or social media as the new bad influence is convenient but avoids the real underlying issue that misogyny is still alive and spans all generations. Banning smart phones for under 16s will not resolve this behaviour alone.<figure id="figure-7d24kr7lvm8swa8rx"><img id="7d24kr7lvm8swa8rx" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/854446566/photo/these-days-fingers-do-the-talking.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=PrXmdiEJkSKUr4I88KxWMvo1jrBmQQCPiT_1FI2_pKE=" alt="These days fingers do the talking" title="These days fingers do the talking" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Why don’t more men speak out, or feel comfortable attending events talking about gender imbalance when it is a common problem for us all, not just women? Could it be embarrassment in knowing there is a problem and not knowing how to address it or talk about it (we are blokes after all), or possibly it is a fear of losing control. Today’s world is a complex landscape and everyone has a voice, and the loudest should not drown out the quietest.As male business leaders, we are expected from early on in our careers to have all the answers, and to dominate the conversations. But is that the best approach? Potentially discounting or not listening to half of the workforce, when we have resource issues and skills shortages in Jersey, seems to be counter-productive in these times.So, what can I, and others, do to encourage more positive action? A starter for ten could be more men joining the #mindthegapcommunity in Jersey. Whilst the community was founded by women and comprises, in the main, female business leaders across all industries, there are a number of male allies who attend the events or provide support. &nbsp;A wider representation would help to breakdown those perceived barriers and fears.<img id="y8e4rio0qbm8sw9cta" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2167641557/photo/business-team-portrait-of-coleagues-in-office.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=WsBsuQ6CtGNRdXCocRAcPAVWow8Qw3zb96LEp0R6NFs=" alt="Business Team Portrait of Coleagues in Office." title="Business Team Portrait of Coleagues in Office." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2167641557/photo/business-team-portrait-of-coleagues-in-office.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=WsBsuQ6CtGNRdXCocRAcPAVWow8Qw3zb96LEp0R6NFs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;">When I reflect on the many female leaders I know locally, both in my board advisory and consultancy work and also on the IoD Jersey Committee, I recognise their common traits of having empathy and listening to those around them. As male advocates and allies we should be looking to work on the promotion of a diverse community, resulting in greater learning and better understanding. For me it is how I have always been, but it’s now got a label, allyship. We all need to work towards the common goal of a powerful, balanced and skilled workforce. So, let’s all be allies. Ian Webb is the Founder and Principal Consultant of IWC in Jersey, and Chair of the Digital Committee for IoD Jersey. With a wealth of experience in senior IT leadership, Ian has been a trusted advisor to company boards across diverse industry sectors, shaping their IT strategies and driving technological innovation. A passionate advocate for gender balance, Ian mentors local female leaders and champions initiatives to inspire young women to pursue careers in technology.

Closing the Gender Gap: The Role of Allies

<h2>Understanding 'Mind the Gap'</h2>The phrase "Mind the Gap" is associated with the London Underground's safety warning for passengers. Indeed, Lesley even "rescued" two teddy bears with sweaters emblazoned with "Mind the Gap" for me and Kate.However, its application as a slogan has transcended transportation, becoming a metaphor for the disparities and challenges present in various sectors of society. In the realm of social innovation, "Mind the Gap" underscores the importance of recognising and addressing social inequalities to foster inclusive growth and development.Social innovation refers to new strategies, concepts, and ideas that aim to meet social needs, improve societal well-being, and create new social relationships or collaborations. By focusing on "Mind the Gap," social innovators are better equipped to identify and address gaps in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.Recently, our community heard from the power house that is Lee Chambers.&nbsp; A stauch Ally of women, bridging the divide or gap that he says now appears to be somewhat of a chasm.&nbsp; Indeed, when the Government of Jersey recently published its gender pay gap statistics report for the island, and this was shared via media outlets, the backlash from social media commentators that this was "fictitious" and baseless was quite astonishing, seemingly confirming Lee's assertation that far from narrowing, the gender gap is indeed widening.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure id="figure-2xxh5zlk3m8gysyiv"><img id="2xxh5zlk3m8gysyiv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/4nLMH8FETcYQEyi9DyVcUx7jwQTPaTuWQrMksELpMaCf1ubRDWAi2xBFlGvgb9P0.jpeg" alt="innovation gap" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/4nLMH8FETcYQEyi9DyVcUx7jwQTPaTuWQrMksELpMaCf1ubRDWAi2xBFlGvgb9P0.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Identifying Social Gaps</h2>One of the first steps in social innovation is the identification of existing gaps in society. These can range from economic disparities to unequal access to healthcare or education. By recognising these gaps, innovators can develop targeted strategies to address them effectively. This process often involves collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, non-profits, and private organisations.&nbsp; I am proud that our community can hold ourselves out as being innovators in this space.&nbsp; Let me be clear, we should not be seen as radical feminist activists, we are simply a group of female business leaders that recognises and supports the World Economic Forum's concern that gender parity will not be reached until 2158.&nbsp;&nbsp;Understanding the root causes of these gaps (not just the gender gap) is crucial. For instance, economic inequality may be driven by factors such as unequal access to education or systemic biases in employment opportunities. By identifying these underlying issues, social innovators can create comprehensive solutions that address both symptoms and causes.&nbsp; We need to shift the narrative that the gender pay gap is about equal pay to recognising that it is more nuanced.<h3>Strategies for Bridging the Gap</h3>Once gaps are identified, developing strategies to bridge them is essential. Social innovation offers a variety of tools and approaches to tackle these challenges. Some effective strategies include:<ul><li>Community Engagement: Involving local communities&nbsp; (such as ours) in the decision-making process ensures that solutions are relevant and impactful.</li><li>Collaborative Partnerships: Forming partnerships across sectors can leverage diverse resources and expertise.</li><li>Technology Integration: Utilising technology can enhance the scalability and reach of social innovation initiatives.&nbsp; Whilst my foray into website creation may be shortlived as a career move it was driven by a desire for community visibility and to provide us, as social innovators, with a platform to demonstrate why bridging gaps is so important.</li></ul><figure id="figure-eobgzack3dm8gyt4fa"><img id="eobgzack3dm8gyt4fa" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/bPb5HoHwrmaB3FG3nx3aLMjPEUai7HNSwcGfT9DWvXN2YHIkIwYt6CyTVefrO1ZK.jpeg" alt="social change" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/bPb5HoHwrmaB3FG3nx3aLMjPEUai7HNSwcGfT9DWvXN2YHIkIwYt6CyTVefrO1ZK.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>The Role of Education in Social Innovation</h2>Education plays a pivotal role in addressing social gaps. By providing equal access to quality education, societies can empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to participate fully in economic and social life. Educational initiatives that focus on underrepresented communities can help level the playing field and reduce disparities.Innovative educational programs, such as online learning platforms or community-based learning centres, have shown promise in reaching underserved populations. These programs often incorporate technology to provide flexible and accessible learning opportunities, making education more inclusive.This blog, and others penned by our community, are other tools that we can deploy to educate our island community about the value of bridging gaps and why these discussions are important for wider sustainability issues for our island economy.<h3>Measuring Impact</h3>For social innovation to be truly effective, measuring impact is essential. This involves evaluating the outcomes of initiatives to ensure they are achieving their intended goals. Metrics such as changes in employment rates, educational attainment, and health outcomes can provide valuable insights into the success of social innovation efforts.The gradual increase of businesses engaging with us and providing their logos and testimonies as to why they publish their gender pay gap is a clear way we, as a community, can measure impact.<figure id="figure-0vqikr29xm8gytb4z"><img id="0vqikr29xm8gytb4z" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/13elCZhiy0hcsPulIsStzpF63WCKAgNaVqeqyabtIa0wcM5xEvO3oyPDkDG8OPKt.jpeg" alt="impact measurement" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/13elCZhiy0hcsPulIsStzpF63WCKAgNaVqeqyabtIa0wcM5xEvO3oyPDkDG8OPKt.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Challenges and Future Directions</h2>While social innovation holds great potential, it is not without challenges. Limited resources, resistance to change, and complex social dynamics can hinder progress. However, by fostering an environment that encourages experimentation and learning from failures, these challenges can be overcome.&nbsp; Every single person involved in this community contributes on a voluntary basis.&nbsp; We are all busy individuals with other roles (voluntary and professional), many of us have care-giving responsibilities.&nbsp; What is unique about our community is a common desire to drive change for the benefit of our children.We have all been impacted by the power of the Netflix dramatisation "Adolescence".&nbsp; We have witnessed how, while trying to bridge the gender gap, voices such as ours advocating for greater gender parity have affected our "lost boys".&nbsp; It is incumbent on us now to adapt to this knowledge; and let's face it, I am sure I am not the only mother of teenage boys to allow some self reflection after watching the programme.&nbsp; We now have another gap to bridge.&nbsp; That between us as adults and our young men.&nbsp; How can we bridge the communication gap?&nbsp; How can we ensure that all voices are heard and each is valuable?&nbsp; This seemingly innocuous "binge-watch" recommendation has turned the table and as social innovators it is now time for us to further "mind the gap" in relation to our lost boys.Alex Ruddy

The Impact of 'Mind the Gap' on Social Innovation and how we respond to evolving social gaps.

Closing the Gender Pay Gap- Lesley's speech from the second roundtable in April 2024:Today, I’m here to share the lived experiences of women on our island regarding gender inequalities, and to highlight the importance of this crucial conversation. I understand that discussing women's equality can evoke mixed emotions. Like, yeah we’ve had the right to vote for over a century now ladies, and significant progress has been made. I think many here today would agree that our professional community in Jersey has largely moved away from consciously marginalizing women. However, there is still a need for improvement where unconscious biases and subtle cognitive shortcuts still shape decision-making, both in society and in the boardroom, as highlighted by a recent IOD publication.According to PwC, at the current rate of progress, it will take another 45 years to close the gender pay gap. Are we truly comfortable with that prediction, especially when there is so much more we can do?As a parent of two teenage sons and two young daughters, my hopes for them are shaped by these disparities. For my sons, I hope they feel empowered to create a balanced family dynamic without the pressure of being the sole providers, which we know can have a crippling effect on many men. &nbsp;For my daughters, I dream of a world where their opportunities are not constrained by gender biases, and in the words of Taylor Swift they are – 'not having to wonder if they would get there quicker if they were a man.'I’m keen for you to take a moment now to think about what your hopes and dreams for your children and their children in the future world of business are.As business leaders and government representatives, we have the unique opportunity and responsibility to effect change. This discussion is not just about equality; it’s about creating a prosperous future for all. It's about defining the legacy we want to leave for the workers of tomorrow. &nbsp;So, who do we truly represent when we issue this call to action? We stand for the little girls told they can have it all, only to encounter invisible barriers and life-altering compromises. We represent the 25-year-old woman subjected to inappropriate advances at business events. We stand for the woman who sacrifices her career for childcare because her salary doesn’t cover the costs. The list continues…&nbsp;We represent the woman who wants to re-enter the workforce but is declined interviews because her experience is not recent enough. &nbsp;We represent the woman finding out she is being paid less than their male counterpart. We represent the woman being penalised in her appraisals for silently going through menopause and the woman trying to re-enter the workforce but seemingly relegated to the scrap heap because of their age, now being considered unemployable.&nbsp;These stories echoed globally highlight the need for systemic change. They are also the experiences of predominantly white, middle-class women so let’s take a moment to think about the voices and stories that are not being heard today? &nbsp;By listening to these voices and acting upon their insights, our hope is that we create workplaces that are not only equitable but also more dynamic and innovative.&nbsp;There are very real factors at play when considering equality of women in the workplace which we invite you to take away today as a starting point. &nbsp;Firstly, the seniority gap. &nbsp;Despite making significant strides in various fields, women are still underrepresented in senior leadership positions even though the research shows women in leadership is good for business. &nbsp;If you are sitting there thinking well women are not as ambitious or don’t have the same skills, think again. This way of thinking has also been debunked. Women are hungry for success and confident in asking for what they want, it’s just not seen in the same light as men. &nbsp;Next, we must confront the motherhood penalty. Women who take time off for childbirth and childcare often face significant career setbacks. These penalties manifest in lost promotions, reduced pay, and diminished opportunities. &nbsp;To rectify this, we must implement supportive policies like flexible working hours, parental leave for all genders, and childcare support. By doing so, we acknowledge the value of parenting while retaining and nurturing top talent. &nbsp;I also need to mention the ever-growing army of women who are post-menopausal and ready to set the world alight with their passions and eagerness to contribute further to our workforce. &nbsp;How do we as businesses provide greater access to these women? &nbsp;Lastly, let’s also shine a light on the concept of invisible women. This term refers to the countless contributions women make that often go unrecognised and unrewarded. Women frequently undertake tasks that are essential but undervalued, such as organising events, mentoring colleagues, and emotional labour. Recognising and valuing these contributions is crucial. We need to redefine success and performance metrics to include these often invisible yet vital aspects of work.The World economic forum states that advancing women’s employment opportunities could add $12 trillion dollars to global GDP. So think about the economic benefits your business is currently missing out on?&nbsp;Collaborating for Change:Todays discussion was spurred on by the legislative proposal of mandatory gender pay gap reporting and I have highlighted some of the areas to be cognizant of – The seniority gap, the motherhood penalty, a readily available ageing workforce &amp; the work of invisible women. &nbsp;&nbsp;But now we have your attention we are asking you to take it one step further. &nbsp;What is the legacy we want to leave behind for our future community and businesses in Jersey?As an island, we are often confronted with defending our position to be seen as major players on a global stage. &nbsp;Wouldn’t anyone else like to see our island transcending from defending to trailblazing, where both our people and our businesses prosper?Legislation alone will not close this gap and isn’t the singular answer. There are examples worldwide where some of the best policies are in place, yet uptake is poor because of cultural perceptions.&nbsp;Do we want to be remembered as the generation that perpetuated inequality because it was seen as difficult to change, or as the trailblazers who championed fairness and prosperity for all? The choice is ours. By closing the gender pay gap, we set a precedent for future generations, ensuring that they inherit a world where talent and hard work are valued equally, regardless of gender.Let us commit to this cause with the passion and determination it deserves remembering that we are all responsible for setting our cultural tone. Together, I believe that we can create a brighter, more equitable future for everyone.&nbsp;

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Closing the Gender Gap: The Role of Allies

The Impact of 'Mind the Gap' on Social Innovation and how...

A year on, we revisit Lesley's initial reflections on the...