Quotas are the only solution to gender equality in the workplace

Our second legal debate for 2018, took place on Wednesday 19 September 2018 at the Mermaid Conference Centre in London. Watch as industry heavyweights from law, media and politics come together to debate whether quotas are the only solution to tackle gender inequality in the workplace.

Since the Equality Act came into force in 2010, minimal progress has been made towards achieving gender parity in the workplace. Women are generally far less likely to hold senior leadership positions within organisations, and recent reports have revealed the alarming extent of the gender pay gap between men and women.

Despite the increased awareness around gender equality, there is still no sign of the situation radically changing anytime soon – and much still needs to be done.

So, are quotas the answer? Should compulsory quotas be introduced in the workplace? Could they be a quick-win solution? Or, alternatively, would other methods be more effective?

Arguing FOR the motion:
Catherine Mayer, Author and co-founder of the Women's Equality Party

Dr. Charlotte Proudman, Barrister, Goldsmith Chambers

Arguing AGAINST the motion:
Justin Webb, British Journalist and Radio Presenter

Vivienne Artz, President of Women in Banking and Finance and Chief Privacy Officer, Thomson Reuters

Chaired by:
Gary Hurry, VP of Marketing, Thomson Reuters