Campaigner and MP Wera Hobhouse joins RWK Goodman for International Women’s Day lunch
Wera Hobhouse, centre, with staff from the Bath office of RWK Goodman at their International Women’s Day lunch.
Speaking to our employees during the lunchtime event, Ms Hobhouse shared her remarkable journey from artist, to local councillor and then MP, explaining some of the challenges along the way. She then answered questions on a variety of subjects, including Brexit, women in leadership roles, parental leave and standing for the Liberal Democrat party leadership. She also highlighted her Private Members’ Bill on upskirting, which was passed last year and received widespread acclaim in the national press.
The event came at the end of a week-long diversity campaign by our firm, which was spearheaded by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) steering group. The group – led by Bharat Nahar, who was appointed as our first ED&I Board Partner last autumn – is working to ensure that equal opportunities and inclusivity are completed embedded within our organisation’s culture and reflect the make-up of our communities.
Ms Hobhouse said: “I really enjoyed visiting RWK Goodman, to talk about women’s achievements, diversity and how we can all make sure society, businesses and institutions become more diverse and inclusive.”
Solicitor Charlotte Webb, who organised the event as part of her role on the ED&I steering group, said: “It was a real pleasure to host Wera at our event. Her stories and insight, particularly as a women’s advocate, inspired everyone who attended and it was a very valuable opportunity for many of our people to hear from such an interesting, informed and passionate speaker.”
Ms Hobhouse this week put forward a new Private Members’ Bill to recognise misogyny as a hate crime, saying that gender-based violence and discrimination disproportionately impacts women.