Mind the motherhood gap: What the motherhood penalty costs all of us - and how we change course

About the event

Join a day of action and insight as we explore the true cost of the motherhood penalty.

Discover how we can drive meaningful change in the higher education sector together.

Event overview

Through expert panels, lightning talks, interactive discussions, and live audience engagement, we will focus on three essential questions:

• How can we reframe motherhood as a foundation for leadership?
• What lessons can higher education learn from other sectors in addressing the motherhood penalty? How can capability developed through motherhood and caregiving be recognised as a career asset, rather than a risk?
• How do we make a compelling business case for change to our leadership teams?

By bringing together sector leaders, leading academics, and inspiring changemakers, this conference aims to spark new thinking and practical action. Hear stories and strategies for recognising the value of motherhood in professional life and discover what it takes to drive meaningful change in higher education and beyond.

Proudly hosted in partnership between Saïd Business School, Oxford Brookes University, and the University of Oxford Social Sciences Division and Faculty of Law, this event is for anyone interested in gender equity, workplace inclusion, and transforming the culture of academia. 

Programme

1. Welcome and introduction
   Registration, refreshments, and opening remarks from University of Oxford Vice Chancellor Irene Tracey to set the scene for the day.
2. Sector insights and learning
   Explore lessons and best practice from higher education and other sectors.
3. Leadership and the business case for change
   Panels and talks will examine how to reframe motherhood as a leadership asset and make a compelling case for change to institutional leaders.
4. Focus on priorities for change
   Reflect on the evidence and consider practical steps for personal and collective action.

Featured speakers

• Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor, University of Oxford
• Joeli Brearley, Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed and Growth Spurt
• Tina Miller, Professor of Sociology, Oxford Brookes University
• Dianne Greyson, Founder, #Ethnicity Pay Gap Campaign
• Charoula Tzanakou, Director, Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice, Oxford Brookes Business School
• Mahima Mitra, Senior Lecturer in Organisation Studies, Saïd Business School
• Almudena Sevilla, Professor of Economic and Social Policy, London School of Economics
• Susan Harkness, Professor of Social Policy, University of Bristol
• Sally Baden, Head of Athena Swan, Advance HE
• Beth Berry, Author, ‘Mother-whelmed, Challenging Norms, Untangling Truths and Restoring Our Worth to the World’
• Catherine Neiner, Career Development Coach and Consultant, Back to Work, Oxford New Horizons alumna: The impact of motherhood on careers
• Emily Ma, Professor, University of Surrey