Sexism and the City - the campaign

The City of London is one of the most economically prosperous areas in the world. But behind the conspicuous wealth of the City lies a hidden story of disadvantage and discrimination affecting women at all levels of business, perpetuating poverty, discrimination, and absence from the corridors of power.

Nearly 40 years on from the outlawing of discrimination against women in the workplace – sexism in the City remains rife.

• 30,000 women lose their jobs in the UK each year simply because they are pregnant

• Only 11% of FTSE 100 company directors are women

• Nearly 1 in 5 women who work in London earn less than the London Living Wage.

• Women in London earn 23% less than their male counterparts.

Fawcett is shining a spotlight on one ‘square mile’ of the United Kingdom to expose the reality of women’s lives in workplaces up and down the country. We will lead a movement of individuals, businesses and organisations to bring about changes in legislation, policy, practice and cultures.

The complex interplay of causes and consequences of sexism in the City means that one person, one business, or one initiative alone cannot end sexism. Only when Government, businesses and individual employees finally come together to effect changes will we see an end to the power and pay gaps that divide women and men at work.

Take action: Raise awareness of sexism by distributing the Sexism and the City campaign manifesto to friends and colleagues. To order manifestos, or find out more about Sexism and the City, please fill in the contact form below.