Lack of female role models? specifically in design

Sarah Weir (OBE), chief executive, design council

“Today, the greatest issues facing female designers are a lack of pay and the lack of having their voices heard. 100 years ago, some women were given a voice through having the vote. However, only 50 years ago, an advert in a design magazine appeared calling for a man between the ages of 30-40 to fulfill an important job opportunity as an art director.

Conversely, in 2015, 78% of the design economy was male, compared to 53% across the whole working economy. The gender pay gap is very much alive and well today! Our own 2015 research noted the average salary was £635 per week, with the majority of women earning a whopping 68% less. We need to do better!

The answer is to provide more platforms to hear women in different areas of design and pay them equally with men.”

Tessa Simpson, design director, O Street

“One of the biggest challenges we face is lack of women in visible leadership positions — the majority of design graduates are women, but only 11% of design business leaders are women. The idea of ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’ could play a big part in changing that. In the past, female designers haven’t had the same profile as their male counterparts (just google ‘famous graphic designers’ to see what that looks like) and we’re at the point where we can really change that. It’s important for leading female designers to put themselves at the forefront — be vocal about their work, volunteer to give talks, get on judging panels and generally be seen in the industry. Of course it’s not only women that can help address this, men have a role too — to help women get the opportunities, platforms and support needed for them to flourish and be seen.”

Jane Harwood, senior designer, Williams Murray Hamm

“There is a lack of role models – visibility of female designers above design director level is lacking. If you’re female and happen to be in an imbalanced workplace, it can feel like a boy’s club. You do begin to wonder, what will happen to my career when and if I reach that level? Where have all the women gone? I’m sure it’s not just a childcare issue. There’s a problem with investing confidence in women at leadership levels. Employers need to make sure we’re seeing women at the top. Equality is not just a female problem, it’s an industry problem.”