In today’s professional world, certain sectors still show a clear gender dominance. Whilst we’ve made remarkable strides towards inclusivity, the journey for truly gender-balanced workplaces continues. A poignant topic within the defence community is the role of male allies. Recently, Nick Snelling, an Associate Director at People Source Consulting shared his thoughts on this very issue.

Here are the significant insights:

The Role and Influence of Male Allies

Most senior positions in the defence sector are occupied by men, making their support for gender equality crucial. As male allies, one of the pertinent questions to ask is, ‘Is our candidate pool for key roles gender diverse?’ If the answer is a ‘No,’ there lies our starting point for change.

Nick’s Personal Journey as a Male Ally

Nick shares, “I grew up surrounded by influential female figures. They faced challenges purely based on their gender, which has always motivated me to be an ally. I resonate with the Women Empowering Defence community because it promotes real change and encourages everyone to be their authentic selves.”

Challenges Men Face in Becoming Allies

One of the reasons some men hesitate to become allies is the fear of making mistakes. Nick’s advice? “Embrace the discomfort. It’s about being willing to learn and be part of the solution, even if we don’t always have all the answers.”

The Untapped Potential of Gender Diversity

Nick emphasises the vast talents we miss out on by not promoting gender diversity. He cites the example of the UK’s HGV drivers, where only 1% are women. By understanding and rectifying the barriers women face, industries can undergo a transformative shift. Furthermore, the potential of women aged 50 to 64 remains largely unexplored. With 4.5 million women in this demographic working in the UK, the professional realm stands to gain immensely from their experience and expertise.

Motivating the Next Generation of Male Advocates

Nick believes that whilst many men are naturally evolving as allies, there’s a need for more proactive advocacy. He adds, “Presenting a clear business case for gender diversity can be a driving force. Diverse teams consistently outperform their counterparts, making it not just an ethical, but also a pragmatic choice.”

In conclusion, as we advance in our professional spheres, gender diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords; they’re imperatives. It’s not just about bridging a gender gap; it’s about harnessing a wealth of untapped potential and driving businesses and communities forward. At People Source Consulting, we echo these sentiments and are ardently working towards a more inclusive future.

To join the launch of the Women Empowering Deference Community, head to: https://womenempoweringdefence.com/