Launched on International Women's Day 2021 as a movement to reduce the workplace gender gap, it has driven projects including a mentorship scheme and creating a database of female speakers.
Its key objectives include promoting the value of gender balance in the workplace, helping define an industry action plan to address gender diversity and inclusion matters, identifying targets and time frames, and developing and delivering solutions to reach gender-focused goals.
Its structure has now been formalised as a not-for-profit with Emma Murray, Founder and CEO of Meantime Communications, and Celine Hourcade, Managing Director of Change Horizon as Founding Members, and Justina Messeiller, Senior Consultant at Change Horizon joining the Executive Committee as Secretary.
Hourcade says, “Our driver is the high potential of many women professionals working in this industry set against the lack of leadership and initiatives with concrete solutions to tackle gender diversity. By formalising WAL as an association, we are guaranteeing its future and the future of its projects, as well as ensuring that there is a platform for growth and new initiatives.”
Murray adds, “WAL has struck a timely chord with the industry, and we are incredibly grateful for the wave of support and engagement we have already seen. It was time to formalise and future proof the association to keep the momentum going and ensure that, by working together, we can make a lasting change.”
WAL has two membership categories, a paid-for corporate membership for businesses, and a free-to-join individual membership.
It is seeking funding to support its ongoing initiatives and help initiate new programmes.