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(she/her) Xesca Xesca has over 15 years of leadership in tech, and brings warmth and expertise as both a CTO and passionate mentor. As a proud trans woman, she founded Chiatech Career Institute where she's helped diverse professionals successfully transition into tech with her unique "CTO as Career Advisor" approach. Xesca's journey spans fintech, media streaming, and blockchain innovation, including leading MotoGP's global platform and Spain's first Pay-DTT broadcast channel. Her multidisciplinary background in space engineering and financial technology fuels her mission to make tech careers accessible to everyone, regardless of their starting point or identity. Xesca Alabart Lopez Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... Top 10 Training Programmes for Community Building & Wellbeing. WCS Awards | My Queer Leader Journey, with Kevin Hawkins. How men can #AccelerateAction this International Women's Day. Create Space for Change. We work with 100+ Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke DEI solutions. Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce insights and craft content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Discover our bespoke corporate solutions... Work with us

All our trainings, events and experiences are delivered by our global We Create Space Leadership Collective of mentors, facilitators, coaches and professional speakers. Our Collective. Team TOGETHER, WE INSPIRE CHANGE We're a global collective of 250+ speakers ; made up of trained DEI specialists, therapists, certified coaches, mental health professionals, activists, senior execs, and corporate change-makers. Each have a unique talent and powerful story to tell. The rich diversity of our collective aims to represent the plethora of intersecting identities across the queer spectrum, allowing us to speak with authority into a wide range of topics and experiences . Check out our WCS 2025 Cultural Calendar for some inspiration as to how we could support you in the coming year. Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Meet the Team Adam Lanfear Adi Sinha Ahmed Shihab-Eldin Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir Aitch Farley Ajay Pabial Alberto Antón Benítez Ale Rebon Portillo Alex D'Sa Alex Dominguez Alex Howell Alex Leon Ali Hendry Allan Kartodikromo Amanda Walker Ambra Venturini Andre Johnsen Andrea Barberà Andrea Cortes Andrea Di Giovanni Andrew Chen Andrew Seedall Anick Soni Anthoniy Hristov Ariadne Ribeiro Ferreira Asha Harkness Ashley Marshall Ashtar Alahmad Audrey Mari Awo Dufie Bachul Koul Barbara Platier Barry Brandon Bekky Harrison Ben Pechey Betsy Reed Bex Wade Bobbi Pickard Brandi Andrews Brian McComak Burak Bilen CK Cairo Nevitt Calvin Stovell Carlos Idibouo Caroline Gansdorfer Char Bailey Char Erskine Charlie Craggs Chloe Cousins Chloe Filani Chloë Davies Chris Sheridan Christopher Kenna Christopher McDonnell Christopher Owen Cindy Nasenya Cindy Nehme Coco Coda Nicolaeff Cynthia Fortlage Cécile Deprez Damiana Ventura Dan Glass Daniel Pillai Darren Pritchard David Kam David McLaughlan David Nath Debra Griffith Dee Jas Dee Whitnell Denny Tu Devin O'Loughlin Devin Ozbagci Diego Lazaro Don Dominic Doug Graffeo Drew Demetry Dylan Shimmon Ed Jervis Ed Moss Eduardo Gutierrez Eliseo Pares Jorda Elle Bower Johnston Elliot Theodor Emilia Astrom Emily Horton Emma Underwood Erdem Onel Erica Burton Erica Rose Ernest Owens Ese-Mena Uyovbukerhi Esteban Zamora Eva Echo Fabian Domenech Felix Mufti-Wright Freddie Lewis Gatonga Theuri Gayathiri Kamalakanthan Geffrye Parsons Gonzalo Parra Guilherme Neves Gurchaten Sandhu Gus Bussmann-Stuart Hadi Moussally Hannah Nishat Botero Hishaam Siddiqi Hunter McCance Iesha Palmer Ilā Kamalagharan Izazkun Pinson JD Valladares-Williams Jack López Jacqui Rhule-Dagher Jade Fraser Jae Sloan Jamie Lowe Jani Toivola Jano San Jaron Soh Jasmine Khan Jason Kwan Jen Keawphaisan Jennifer Polzin Jess Brough Jim Fielding Jo Krishnakumar Joela-Abiona Rivera Jolinda Johnson Jon-Paul Vicari Jonny Benjamin Jono Cruz Jono Selvadurai Josephine Hughes Josh Rivers Joshua Cruz Jossy Jaycoff Angulo José Luis Espinosa Sales Jourdan Hussein Jua O'Kane Jude Guaitamacchi Judith Solanas Sánchez Kali Sudhra Kanndiss Riley Kari Serrano Karim El Oteify Kathryn Lum Katya Veleva Kayus Fernander Keri Blue Kevin Hawkins Khatoun Abdmasih Ki Griffin Kim Wunner Kirill Slobodianiuk Kodo Nishimura Kosta Karakashyan Lazarus Lynch Lee Mabey Lee Schoenmaker Liam Rezende Lias Mauersberger Lily Zheng Lisa Cowling Lisa Marie Hall Loane Alonzeau Logal Kako Lolo Noble Lotus Smits Louise Beardsmore Luca Condosta Luca Magagni Lucia Blayke Lucifer Benedetti Luke Christian Luke Lopez Luke Manton Luke Thomas MK Getler-Porizkova Magda Stega Mahmoud Assy Manjinder Sidhu Manuel Schlothauer Marc Thompson Mariana Spada Marie-Helene Tyack Mark Travis Rivera Marley Conte Marty Davies Max Marchewicz Max Siegel Mayra Pastor Valdivia Mercedes Jenkins Michael Stephens Mike Rahilly Mitchell Davis Mufseen Miah Mus Alsaeid Nadu Placca Rodriguez Nancy Di Dia Natasha Getler-Porizkova Nats Sisma Neil Hudson-Basing Nick Kientsch Nicole Simpson Nour Jarrouj Nourhan Sandouk Obella Obbo Olivia Esposito Ora Özer Paff Evara Paul Taylor-Pitt Paula Harrowing Paula Soli Pavlo Cherednychenko Phil Sanger Piotr Ciepiel Polo Lonergan Pritham Bhatia Prudence Dippah-Dina Rachel Padilla Radam Ridwan Raga D’Silva Rahim EL Habachi Rakshet Sachdev Raven Nielsen Reeta Loi Rico Jacob Chace River Coello River Solace Robert Suttle Roxy Murray Ruby Rare Ryan Lanji Ryan Zaman Saba Ali Sabah Choudrey Safir Boukhalfa Sakeema Peng Crook Sanjay Sharma Sanjukta Moorthy Santi Sorrenti Santo Tripodi Sara Alvarez Sara Táboas Sarah Massey Saski Saul James Scott Sallée Sebastián Dalla Ba Sergi Alberola Sevi Koppe Sharon Ehrlich Shawn Aaron Shimar Guyo Shiva Raichandani Simi Wang Somar Ibrahim Sophia Emmerich Sophie Strachan Stef Tudorascu Steph Matthews Stephen Hart Stewart O'Callaghan Sunni Patel Suresh Ramdas Suzy McCafferty Tadhg Mac Mahon Tanvir Ali Taofique Folarin Tash Koster-Thomas Tashan Nicholas Tatum Karmen Swithenbank Taylor Lianne Chandler Taz Rasul Temi Ayorinde Teodor Cesljarov Teresa Lee Thea Bardot Thokozani Mbwana Tolu Osinubi Trish Boston Ty Jernstedt Uz Afzal Valentín Aseyo Vaneet Mehta Vijay Chohan Xesca Alabart Lopez Yasmin Benoit Yassine Senghor Yeison Forero Yujx Smith Zach Ames Zacha Belok Zee Monteiro WANT TO JOIN THE TEAM? We're always looking for new facilitators, guest speakers, writers and holistic practitioners. Get in touch

We Create Space is a global Queer-led platform, consultancy and collective on a mission to improve the lives of under-represented groups of professionals around the world by connecting our communities and allies with tools, knowledge and a support network for personal growth, leadership development, allyship and self-care. Learn. Connect. Grow. WE CREATE SPACE We're a community-led learning platform, network, and consultancy focused on culture change, community building and social innovation. Welcome to CSR Our Events Our Services Our Resources Our Collective Our Platform Our solutions - 1 - Our Resources. Recent Articles Get in touch 8 min read LEADERSHIP Community Building 101: Our Top 30 Considerations. Our guide to build, grow, and engage communities through the principles of inclusion, wellbeing and leadership. Post not marked as liked 5 min read REPORTS DEI Insights & Trends in 2025. A qualitative research study providing actionable insights and strategies for DEI practitioners in 2025. Post not marked as liked 4 min read REPORTS The World Needs More LGBTQ+ Leaders. Why we need to educate, inspire and empower more professionals to become LGBTQ+ Leaders. Post not marked as liked 13 min read REPORTS The Business Case for DEI in 2024. The continued importance of building diversity, equity and inclusion principles into the foundations of any company’s business strategy -... Post not marked as liked 2 min read LEADERSHIP WCS | Recognising 4 Years of Creating Space. Learn how We Create Space is improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the globe. Post not marked as liked 3 min read CASE STUDIES WCS x Coventry City Council: LGBTQ+ Talent Development Programme. How we worked with CCC to influence change across the organisation. Post not marked as liked 7 min read LEADERSHIP Creating Space for Queer Women. The importance of creating intersectional spaces for Queer women to share their experiences. Post not marked as liked 3 min read CASE STUDIES Queer Wellbeing: WCS>BCN. We share results from our series of free community wellbeing classes in Barcelona. Post not marked as liked 1 min read Queer Journeys | Shimar Guyo. Hear the story of Shimar Guyo, a trans woman who moved from the Philippines to study and her search for Queer Community in Barcelona. Post not marked as liked 6 min read LEADERSHIP Woman to Woman: Lessons from a Lesbian Executive. Nancy Di Dia on gender equity in the workplace, trans allyship and finding new life in retirement. Post not marked as liked - 2 - Our Services. Discover our range of bespoke corporate solutions, bringing powerful community-building solutions to the heart of your business. Corporate Solutions Get in touch Allyship Programmes Leadership Programmes Resources & Content Talks & Panel Discussions Event Packages Annual Membership Consultancy & Guidance Workshops & Webinars - 3 - Our Community. Follow us on social to receive all our latest free content. - 4 - Our Events . Sign-up to our newsletter to receive all the latest information and updates, including invites to our free events as they get announced. Upcoming Events Get in touch 2 min read EVENTS WCS x Barcelona Expat Life Building connections at the Barcelona Expat Life Job Fair. Post not marked as liked 2 min read EVENTS WCS x The Festival of Consciousness 2024 Bringing Queer perspectives to an international audience. Post not marked as liked 1 min read EVENTS Pink Carpet at WCS LGBTQ+ Awards 22.06.24 Check out these photos of our glamourous pink carpet guests at the inaugural WCS LGBTQ+ Awards at The Social Hub in Barcelona. This year... Post not marked as liked 2 min read EVENTS Pride Gala | WCS LGBTQ+ Awards 22.06.24 Take a peek into our fabulous Pride Gala at The Social Hub in Barcelona, where we celebrated the winners the 2024 WCS LGBTQ+ Awards. Post not marked as liked 1 min read EVENTS Winner's Dinner | WCS LGBTQ+ Awards 21.06.24 We brought our award winners together for an intimate evening to connect, network and inspire each other at LabTwentyTwo in Barcelona. Post not marked as liked 1 min read EVENTS Queer Women In Business Meet Up 24.04.24 Take a look into our latest Queer Women In Business event at WeWork Barcelona. Post not marked as liked 3 min read CASE STUDIES Queer Wellbeing: WCS>BCN. We share results from our series of free community wellbeing classes in Barcelona. Post not marked as liked 1 min read EVENTS WCS>BCN 15.03.24 My Best Ally: An evening of queer art, conversation and celebration in Barcelona. Post not marked as liked 1 min read EVENTS WCS>BCN 26.10.23 An evening of queer performances, conversation and community in Barcelona. Post not marked as liked 1 min read EVENTS WCS>BCN 21.09.23 A night full of connection, intimate conversation and learning in Barcelona! Post not marked as liked - 5 - Our Collective . Our Global Speaker Collective is comprised of inclusion specialists, therapists, certified coaches, consultants, mental health professionals, activists, senior execs, legal experts, and corporate change-makers. Meet our speakers Get in touch - 6 - Our Campus . WCS | Campus is our new digital space where you can connect with other like-minded people from our community - engaging in meaningful discussions, workshops, events and online courses - at a global and local level. Join the Campus Get in touch

Ready to apply inclusive community building principles to your business? Here are some of our favourite training programmes to get you started. At We Create Space, we see the transformative power of community every single day. Because real change—cultural, personal, organizational—doesn’t happen in isolation. For organisations striving to build a more inclusive, engaged, and thriving workplace, we believe community-building isn’t just a solution. It’s the foundation. The art and science of community-building is key to shaping culture, driving inclusion, increasing engagement and sustaining wellbeing.  In our recent guide Community Building 101: Our Top 30 Considerations , we identified Wellbeing as one of three key pillars supporting community building. Think of the considerations as skills to be learned, honed, and practiced and these are our top 10 most common programmes to upskill employees.  All of our events, training programmes and   corporate solutions  are fully bespoke, delivered by   our global team  of experts, and tailored to the needs of   our clients . Don't be afraid to get in touch if you're looking for something not on this list! Make sure to also check out our 'Community Building 101’ events, which explore key factors for successful community development. Each session will provide actionable strategies & tools to promote effective change, collective learning, workplace culture & shared values. We will also discuss how grassroots principles can be applied in corporate settings, through three key pillars: Inclusion, Wellbeing, & Leadership. Register for our upcoming WCS Community Building 101: 'Wellbeing' event with Voda Founder Jaron Soh on Thursday 17th April. 1. Understanding My Identity  When we know who we are, we open ourselves up to exciting new possibilities and can take even more care of our emotional, physical, and mental health. When we focus on holistic health it allows communities to identify the strengths behind their identity and unique lived experience. Understanding the (positive and negative) stories, beliefs, and emotions tied to our identities and how they impact us in the present help us cultivate self-awareness, develop a deeper sense of what makes us unique, and provide meaningful ways for us to take care of ourselves and the communities we build around us.  2. Embracing My Intersectionality  A person’s identity is made up of several dimensions of diversity including gender identity, race, sexual orientation, neurodiversity and many more. For each person, these dimensions of diversity intersect in countless ways and affect their lived experience and how they show up in the world around them. Participants will engage in reflective exercises that encourage them to recognise and embrace the multiple, interconnected identities they hold. By fostering a deeper understanding of intersectionality, participants will enhance their self-awareness, promote empathy, and continue to prioritise holistic health. 3. Trauma-Informed Leadership To better understand ourselves and others holistically to create communities that prioritise the wellbeing of all, we have to acknowledge the impacts of stress and trauma. This training session aims to empower and train leaders with a comprehensive understanding of trauma-informed practices. Leaders equipped with practical strategies to create supportive environments that acknowledge and address the impacts of trauma, ultimately enhancing team cohesion, employee well-being, and organizational resilience. 4. Cross-Collaborative ERG Initiatives Organised communities within a company often take form as Employee Resource Groups. In this session we’ll explore the importance of fostering collaboration and synergy among different ERGs to create more interconnected, intersectional and peer supported networks. Focused on constructing and growing supportive networks for sharing insights and resources, and inspiring participants to initiate and drive joint ERG projects. Attendees will leave with a stronger internal network and practical strategies to continue building coalitions across the organisation at large. 5. Defining & Affirming My Values Individual values influence our decision making process on a daily basis and when we understand our values, we can make informed decisions for our wellbeing. Community values have the same impact on a larger scale, when we have shared beliefs and understanding, we can forge new paths of inclusion. This reflective session allows participants to explore what’s important to them, how to communicate values, and develop introspective accountability plans to sustain their holistic health. 6. Social Impact & Power How can you create opportunities for members to give back, fostering a sense of collective purpose and contribution? When building the foundation of any volunteer efforts, it’s important to remember our values, both personal and organisational, and align them with opportunities that sustain those values. Examining our power in relation to supporting our communities, we have to ask ourselves if our presence will contribute positively or negatively. When we understand our values and power, we can affect our impact.   7. Cultivating Joy   Fun and joy are essential components of life at any age. Our ability to have fun without any productivity goals is a wonderful gift for organisations to give their employees. Providing experiences that promote wellbeing and incorporate elements of playfulness like group outings, bookclubs, and retreats help people become more connected to themselves and their community. This session focuses on strategies to help become more emotionally aware of what brings us joy, how to make joy a daily habit, and understanding we are worth more than our productivity.  8. Wellbeing & Remote Work In a global workforce that is often remote or working hybridly, offering online portals or apps for access to educational materials, resources, community,  and support are critical. Usage rates increase when there is psychological safety to ask questions about programmes, benefits, and services offered. Equally, people managers need to be equipped with training and tools to promote the company culture, role model wellbeing practices, and engage in meaningful dialogue around holistic wellbeing.  9. Mental Health Safeguarding  Communities can often be a safe space but also come with the risk of negative and harmful interactions. Having clear safeguarding policies to protect community members from harm, including having trained facilitators who can de-escalate conflicts, is vital. concerns. Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on their approach to mental health safeguarding and explore ways to better support the well-being of themselves and others in all community spaces. We can help you develop and enforce workplace harassment policies and create safe channels for employees to report 10. Giving Positive Feedback Giving feedback is an important part of participating in any community, work or otherwise. How can we use language and examples that highlight a person's positive contributions and achievements to nurture their development? By regularly highlighting individual and collective achievements to build morale and strengthen community bonds and recognize employees’ contributions through awards, public shoutouts, or dedicated company celebrations. Learning how to positively coach and compliment someone is a significant contributor to their wellbeing.  Register for our upcoming WCS Community Building 101: 'Wellbeing' event with Voda Founder Jaron Soh   on Thursday 17th April. While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter so you can stay up to date!

Award Winner Kevin Hawkins, a Black gay man from Washington shares his Queer Leadership Journey. My Story and Journey. My name is Kevin Hawkins , and I’m a Black gay man with African and Filipino roots, born in Washington, DC, and now based in Barcelona. I am currently Vice President of Design & Research at Monta, an EV charging software company. My journey has taken me across industries and countries, shaping my perspective as both a creative and a leader. Throughout my career, I’ve built and scaled design teams, launched impactful products, led international expansions, and mentored emerging talent. As a queer leader, my identity has influenced how I approach leadership—with empathy, inclusivity, and a focus on amplifying diverse voices. I know firsthand the challenges of carving out space in industries that haven’t always been welcoming, which has fueled my passion for mentorship and community-building. My work today, whether in product design, education, or events, is about creating opportunities and fostering environments where people—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—can thrive. My Work and Passion. At the heart of my work is a drive to make knowledge and opportunities more accessible. I’m currently developing over9to5, an online business school that will launch by the end of the year. The goal is to help professionals turn their skills into multiple streams of income, ensuring financial independence and career growth. Unlike traditional schools, over9to5 is led by industry practitioners, offering real-world insights that people can apply immediately. I’m inspired by my career that has exposed me to many industries and built my expertise, as I’d like to do the same for others.  I’m also deeply involved in The Common Thread, a supper club in Barcelona that brings together people from different backgrounds—locals, expats, and visitors—for shared experiences that foster genuine connections. For me, this initiative isn’t just about good food and great company; it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, valued, and included. Whether in education, business, or community-building, I believe in using my platform to uplift others. My work inherently advocates for the LGBTQ+ community by showing that leadership and success come in many forms—and that we don’t need to conform to outdated models to make an impact. My Leadership and WCS Connection. To me, queer leadership is about authenticity, resilience, and creating pathways for others. It’s about challenging norms, fostering inclusive cultures, and ensuring that diverse perspectives are not only heard but valued. Being part of the WCS community (and then later becoming a Board member) has been incredibly meaningful. It has given me a space to connect with other queer leaders, exchange ideas, and amplify my work. Whether through collaborations, mentorship, or simply sharing experiences, WCS has reinforced that leadership isn’t just about individual success—it’s about lifting others as you climb. Life Before & After Winning the Award. Winning the WCS Queer Leaders Award in 2024 was a milestone that validated the work I’ve been doing in design, education, and community-building. Since receiving the award, new opportunities have emerged—whether it’s speaking engagements, collaborations, or simply connecting with other queer professionals who want to build something meaningful. Of course, new challenges have also come with increased visibility, but I see them as opportunities to grow and refine my impact. The recognition has also strengthened my commitment to mentorship. Many aspiring designers and entrepreneurs have reached out for guidance, and I’ve been intentional about creating more opportunities for them. - Kevin Hawkins My Vision for the Future. Looking ahead, my main goal is to successfully launch over9to5 and establish it as a go-to resource for professionals who want to gain financial independence through entrepreneurship. I also want to expand The Common Thread, turning it into a global network that connects people through shared experiences. Challenges will always exist—whether it’s breaking through industry barriers, securing resources, or navigating the complexities of leadership. But I believe that by staying true to my vision and surrounding myself with a strong community, I can continue evolving as a leader. Ultimately, my goal is to show that queer leaders can thrive across industries—not just in spaces traditionally labeled as “creative” but also in business, tech, and beyond. By continuing to build, mentor, and advocate, I hope to pave the way for others to do the same.   Kevin Hawkins (he/him) Kevin is a UX Research & Product Design leader with 17 years of experience in working on complex social problems, delighting customers, and growing startups. Previously, he’s worked with companies such as Glovo, Booking.com, PwC, Uber, Capital One, Gap, and more. He also serves on the board of We Create Space. Kevin spends his personal time as a public speaker and mentor for under-represented groups in the tech sector, and is a former Pride organizer. As a gay, Liberian-American that’s lived across the USA, Europe, and Asia, he specializes in building communities and using food to bring people together. Find out more here While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletters so you can stay up to date!

Neil Hudson-Basing shares his call to action for men to step up and fight to advance gender equality this International Women's Day. International Women’s Day is almost upon us and this got me considering the theme of this year’s campaign: #AcceleratingAction Do you want to hear my initial gut feeling when I read this? My mind immediately snapped ‘Well, it can’t go any slower, can it?!’ Don’t get me wrong, it’s a powerful call to action. IWD’s 2025 theme highlights that it’ll take until 2158 to reach full gender parity at the current rate of progress, according to the World Economic Forum . It demands an increased momentum in challenging barriers and bias experienced by women, both professionally and personally, through amplifying tried and tested strategies, activities and resources as well as supporting organisations striving for gender equality  & equity . I am totally on board with all of the above. As a man who considers myself to be a feminist and an advocate for gender equality, I am consistently baffled by the long & drawn out inequality, injustice & unfairness women face. In the workplace. At home. As they go about their lives. Furthermore, I am relentlessly frustrated by the lack of action, outcry & support from other men when it comes to speaking out on issues impacting women.  Professionally, I’ve hosted events covering a broad range of topics around childbirth mortality, menopause and violence against women & girls. Each and every time, there has only ever been a handful of men in the room.  In my personal life I’ve had conversations with men and women on these topics and more. The women I speak to are often shocked but overjoyed that they’re engaging with a man on these topics. Men tend to seem baffled, particularly as to why I’d know so much about the menopause, or tend to disengage. This is also validated based on the reactions on my social media related to this topic.  The absence of the male voice, consciously & unconsciously, when it comes to gender equality is not only infuriating - its prolonging inaction & change. With the theme  #AcceleratingAction in mind, I researched to check if my cynicism around action, or not enough of it, was valid. And regrettably, it is. However, there are some positive improvements when it comes to gender equality… Data from ONS  indicates that the gender pay gap is slowly decreasing. Flexible working has helped a fifth of women keep their roles & avoid reducing their hours, according to an analysis by McKinsey . The EU Gender Equality Index  improved marginally from 2023 to 2024 showing a decrease in disparities. There’s much more menopause awareness, education & public conversation  taking place. When digging deeper, progress is still looking bleak and slow. Especially when you take into account the intersections  of race, transness & sexual orientation. Last year, a study by LinkedIn  shows that the gender representation gap in leadership has widened with just 36.4% of leadership hires being women. In fact, the same McKinsey report above demonstrates that women remain underrepresented at every stage of the corporate pipeline , regardless of race & ethnicity The Fawcett Society recently published a report entitled ‘Double Trouble: The Ethnicity Gender Pay Gap’ exploring the compound effects of both the gender & ethnicity pay gap showing that Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Mixed White & Black Caribbean women impacted the most. The Human Rights Campaign revealed that trans women in the US earn just 60 cents for every dollar   a typical worker earns - similar for non-binary folk & only marginally better for trans men. In the UK, violence against women & girls (VAWG) is getting worse according to a recent report by the National Audit Office .  The above is a snapshot of what’s going on in the US & UK. Never mind globally. And there are many more crucial topics at play when it comes to gender inequality & injustice, what fuels & maintains it, including: Unfair division of labour Childbirth mortality Workplace harassment Medical testing Urban design I’d urge everyone reading this, regardless of gender identity, to check out ‘ Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men ’ by Caroline Criado Perez. It was an absolute game changer for my understanding of how we live in a world designed for me and checking my own male privilege as I go about every day life. With all of this in mind, hopefully we’re in agreement that accelerated action in the form of active allyship to forge our way towards gender equality is needed. But what role do men have to play? To start with, ask yourself this… what’s going on in my industry? As someone who sits across both the DEI space & the Events Industry, I take it upon myself to know the state of play for women & other marginalized groups across both. Female leaders work twice as hard to drive & embed DEI into the workplace than their male counterparts - yet over 40% don’t feel their efforts are recognised through performance reviews or reward, according to the World Economic Forum. The ‘Women in the Workplace 2022’ report stated that over 63% of DEI leadership roles were occupied by White women - which naturally overshadows the fundamentals of DEI. Representation on panels at events have always been a thorny issue. Male-dominated and all-male panels (or ‘manels’) are still unfortunately common, with men outnumbering women by 2:1 according to Bizzabo . This is particularly exacerbated in the fields of Business, Tech & STEM. It’s something that We Create Space is fully committed to addressing when it comes to curating events either for our clients & our community. The events industry is largely dominated by women (almost 77%), but the majority of event leadership positions are taken by men, according to a 2022 study by IBTM . It’s one that my friend & colleague, Gabby Austen-Browne , Founder of Diversity Alliance, is all too familiar with… “Having worked with countless organisations through Diversity Alliance, I've seen firsthand that real progress happens when men step up as active allies. What makes my heart sink is seeing the burden of change falling primarily on women's shoulders. This isn't a 'women's issue' - it's a leadership issue that requires men, especially those in senior positions, to take meaningful action. Our recent 'Driving Success Through Diversity' report lays this all bare - but more importantly, it provides practical steps forward. We've seen real transformation when male leaders commit to being part of the solution- actively sponsoring women, particularly women of colour and those with disabilities, challenging biased systems, and using their influence to drive cultural change. The blueprint is there - but we need men to move from passive support to active advocacy to make it happen.” How can I personally take action of these findings? Well, armed with awareness and insights, I can actively work to speak out about them professionally and personally. Professionally, as an Events Director working in DEI, it can inform how I can curate content & events to educate audiences. I can factor it into discussion points for briefings. I ensure our panels are diverse & representative - with gender balance - challenging tokenism & providing fairer opportunities . I’ve heard men say they need to be told what to do. I’ve actually witnessed women back this up. But with so much data, discourse & research out there, it’s time for men at all levels, in working space & every day life, to step up. The days of spoonfeeding every bit of knowledge should be ended and we should empower ourselves through ongoing education.  The biggest question you may have right now is: where to start when it comes to accelerating action for gender equality as a male ally? Here’s your roadmap based on my own learning journey and experiences. Personal take-aways Educate yourself: Listen and engage in conversation with the women around you. Be inquisitive about their experiences in the workplace and everyday life. Examine your male privilege & get to grips with the many scenarios and ways gender equality shows up. Be curious about women’s health topics like menopause. Read books & listen to podcasts by women. Call out sexism and misogyny: Understand that better education for boys and young men can help to prevent and tackle violence against women and girls. Know that what is deemed as ‘casual banter’ is still harmful & galvanises worse behaviour. Challenge unacceptable language. Be the person known for a zero tolerance approach to any form of sexual harassment. Consider your professional context: Understand what’s going on in your organisation, field or sector when it comes to gender inequality. Find out what the gender pay gap looks like. If you’re a hiring line manager, ensure employees at the same level are being paid fairly no matter their gender. Champion fair representation: Make sure boards, campaigns, ERG groups & event panels are diverse and provide fair opportunities. Amplify the voices of women, gender non-conforming people & other marginalised groups. Offer your seat on a board or panel to a female colleague, or decline where it’s an all male selection, explaining why this doesn’t align with your values. Celebrate the achievements & successes of female colleagues. Encourage allyship at work: Advocate for workplace initiatives, policies & practices that protect women. Introduce a menopause, flexible working or transition at work policy. Pursue White Ribbon accreditation to show your commitment to ending male violence. Enforce healthy meeting practices so that female colleagues are not talked over. Appreciate the women around you and know your history: Reflect on the positive impact the women in your life have had on you and become their champions. Return that love & support ( I know I wouldn’t be the person I am without them ). As gay men, it’s crucial to understand that trans+ women fought for our LGBTQ+ rights. And that lesbians played a vital role in the HIV crisis as activists and carers. Your gratitude, respect and knowledge is a deep sign of allyship. To all the men reading, it’s over to you now. Let this day be the starting point for you to start your year round journey to becoming an active ally.  I say this as a plea & challenge. The need for #AcceleratedAction is very real and the efforts to create a world in which true gender equality & equity is a reality requires more men to be part of the conversation and get involved. Whether that’s menopause awareness, amplifying the work of female colleagues, or tackling violence against women and girls. In a patriarchal world, a unified approach and solidarity is essential. Get in touch to chat about how We Create Space can support you as you plan your activities for IWD & gender equality throughout the year. Neil Hudson-Basing (he/him) Neil is We Create Space's Events & Community Director based in London. With over 18 years experience in the events industry, Neil has a real passion for bringing audiences together. he is an experienced emcee & public speaker. Neil has delivered and hosted events, as well as spoken and written about, a broad range of hard-hitting & sensitive topics including violence against women & girls, male allyship, racism, sustainability, LGTBQ+ inclusion, menopause and sobriety. In 2022, he co-launched London’s newest alcohol and drug-free clubbing event called The House of Happiness, a queer led & delivered venture, to help address the lack of LGBTQ+ sober spaces. Find out more here While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletters so you can stay up to date!