150+ senior leaders in business, government, education and community are calling on all employers to continue to improve the representation of women in leadership, address resistance and be prepared to engage with the range of responses to gender equality initiatives.

Backlash and Buy In: Responding to the Challenges in Achieving Gender Equality released today by Chief Executive Women and Male Champions of Change acknowledges that backlash is a natural part of change. Leaders must accept that gender equality initiatives are embraced by some and resisted by others, and make efforts to uncover the underlying drivers of resistance.

The report explains drivers of resistance (lack of understanding, fear, change fatigue, cultural norms and industry norms) and shares organisations’ experiences in the hope that it helps others understand and address a range of responses to gender equality strategies.

Associated articles