Women in Fundraising
Flow Caritas recently hosted the latest in our series of Fundraising Meetups, on the topic of ‘women in fundraising’. There was a lot of discussion on a spectrum of topics that affect women in the charity fundraising workforce. The guest speaker was Lizzi Hollis, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Independent Age and founder of the Charity Women collective.
Sadly can’t make this event tonight but will be following #womeninfundraising – @LizziHollis rocks! https://t.co/Ul7Vghb80L
— Joe Jenkins (@MrJoeJenkins) October 26, 2016
From 7pm don’t forget to check out the #womeninfundraising tag to ask questions and read discussions from the @FlowCaritas event in London.
— I.G. Advisors (@IG_Advisors) October 26, 2016
There were some fresh and engaging conversations about the role that women play in the charity workforce. Despite the fact that 70% of the sector is composed of women, only 16 women are listed as the top 50 influential fundraisers in the UK. How can we be doing more to recognise women’s contributions to fundraising? Why are there less women in leadership positions? Why is there still a gender pay gap?
Taking the long view, the answers to these questions can be traced back to the historical devaluation of women’s labour, despite how much has been achieved and how much there is still left to be done. But what are the pressing issues here and now? Below are just some of some of the topics that were touched upon.
Leadership
@emmielouli anecdotally that’s not something women here experience in their small orgs. However we know it to be true of larger charities.
— Flow Caritas (@FlowCaritas) October 26, 2016
Pay inequality
@LizziHollis “women make up 2/3rds of the sector with a 16% pay gap compared to men” #womeninfundraising
— Richard Turner (@ifundraiser) October 26, 2016
Wow. Fascinated to see where this conversation goes in a female dominated sector #womeninfundraising https://t.co/XF8ABEXfJf
— Katie Simmons (@simmonskt) October 26, 2016
Intersectionality
When we talk about #womeninfundraising, is our evidence and research about all women’s needs, or just white, able-bodied, cis women?
— Emily Collins (@emmielouli) October 26, 2016
The meritocracy argument also came up quite a lot; if women were qualified enough for leadership positions they would be already in them. However, this view not only excludes the idea women who exhibit ‘leadership’ qualities; such as ambition, candor or confidence; can be perceived as bossy or bitchy, but is also ignorant of what is known as imposter syndrome.
Lizzi addressed all of these points and more in her talk, which (due to a weak WiFi connection) was partially livestreamed on the Flow Caritas Facebook page.
Where do we go from here?
Gender inequality in the charity sector is real and affecting women in fundraising in profound ways.  So how do we move forward?
Rather than talking about male vs female qualities, we should all be embracing emotional intelligence #womeninfundraising
— Flow Caritas (@FlowCaritas) October 26, 2016
Informed discussions and open spaces for conversation are vital to progress. So is female mentorship, women helping other women, ladies celebrating ladies. Movements like the Charity Women collective address this need and it was met with positivity from the meetup attendees.
Really enjoyed @LizziHollis talk at the meet up last night. Great to have a group like @CharityWomen established to help change happen.
— Samuel Butler (@Samcharitydm) October 27, 2016
#womeninfundraising I will now be a big @CharityWomen promoter thanks to the super impressive @LizziHollis what a fantastic new initiative!
— Simon Beresford (@SimonCBeresford) October 26, 2016
There were multiple men in attendance who wanted to know how they could contribute without falling into the trap of ‘mansplaining’. While there’s no simple, one-size-fits-all approach, the simple act of listening and encouraging more women to speak out can make a difference.
Men can help by using/deflecting their power to make space for women’s voices, says @LizziHollis #womeninfundraising https://t.co/wTi5x9GGNF
— Matthew Sherrington (@m_sherrington) October 26, 2016
Having the gateway to discuss this issue with men is really crucial @LizziHollis #womeninfundraising
— Richard Turner (@ifundraiser) October 26, 2016
It’s also easy for men to talk to women about their experiences with gender inequality, as women have a plethora of anecdotal evidence that it’s a problem they struggle with in their everyday lives. But do men talk to other men about these issues when women aren’t around? Is it something that they think about unless the women in their lives point it out? Food for thought.
Amazing evening speaking at Fundraising Meet Up & meeting so many amazing people interested in #WomenInFundraising. Thank you @FlowCaritas pic.twitter.com/ly4r8BZ9La
— Lizzi Hollis (@LizziHollis) October 26, 2016
Amazing discussions led by @LizziHollis on #womeninfundraising – fantastic platform to voice these issue!
— Sarah Goddard (@FundraiserSarah) October 26, 2016
Listening to the brilliant @LizziHollis on #womeninfundraising. Let’s recognise female leaders in sector! Thanks @FlowCaritas for hosting
— Adriano Mancinelli (@Admancinelli) October 26, 2016