Casual sexism hidden in everyday language is doing untold damage
Helen JamesHysterical versus passionate, pushy versus ambitious, bossy versus assertive; the use of certain language in marketing is perpetuating everyday sexism.
Helen James
Marketing’s gender pay gap: Without quotas the clock will only turn back
Helen JamesThere are many intersecting causes for marketing’s gender pay gap – and the fact it has got worse – but failure to address it now will only exacerbate the issue.
If body neutrality is the new body positivity, what does it mean for marketers?
Helen JamesWhile it won’t come down to marketers alone, our industry does have a role to play in helping shift the focus from body positivity to body neutrality, which means forgetting ideals, letting go of so-called flaws and letting people just be.
Marketers have a role to play in levelling the gender health gap
Helen JamesWhile marketing alone won’t be able to close the gender health gap, it can certainly help to increase awareness of female-only health issues and remove taboos, which is definitely a step in the right direction.
Is age the final diversity frontier for marketers?
Helen JamesWith so few people aged over 50 working in marketing, is it any wonder those in their later years – and particularly women – feel underrepresented in advertising? Marketers need to double down on audience research to truly understand this vast demographic.
To close the authority gap, women must realise self-promotion is not a dirty concept
Helen JamesIt’s easier said than done but if you’re a female marketer trying to progress into leadership, grant yourself permission to be the real you, as authenticity will help you avoid the trap of being torn between trying to be more visible and following suit.
From moments to movements: To truly have an impact brands need to understand the difference
Helen JamesIf brands really want to empower women they need to ride the ‘fempowerment’ wave with intention, not simply jump on the bandwagon.
Does the end of power heels signify the death of patriarchy in the workplace?
Helen JamesAs women continue to smash it in senior leadership positions, female marketers are increasingly ditching the armour of high heels, confident in their ability to get the job done without any props.
We need to break the duality of women to change the shape of leadership
Helen JamesIn a new column exploring the intersection of marketing and gender, Helen James, co-founder of Creative Equals/Business, says training and workplace initiatives alone will not be enough to get more women to the top. Instead it’s about removing long-held beliefs and behaviours, and marketers are in a perfect position to help drive this change.