As a not-for-profit, Agent Academy has always been about taking action to create change when we see inequality in the world. We believe that talented people deserve access to high-value careers, regardless of gender, postcode, or any other factor that might hold them back.
Right now, the need for action on gender inequality is greater than ever. Progress isn’t guaranteed, it requires intentional effort, bold decisions and collective action. That’s why we love this year’s International Women’s Day theme: Accelerating Action.
As a team, we’re making personal commitments to push for gender equality through our work and personal efforts. We’ve each chosen a focus area and will pledge our action towards challenging inequality in 2025.
Here’s what we will do.
Zoe – Director Agent Academy
Lack of Female Representation in Media
Women make up just 24% of individuals featured in news stories and only 20% of expert voices cited in media. This lack of representation reinforces outdated narratives, limits the visibility of female leadership and shapes public perception, undermining gender equality.
When women’s expertise is not heard, it impacts decision-making, policy and culturally portrays an idea that women can’t be the leader or expert. This needs to change!
At Agent Academy, we know that representation matters. When women are visible, they inspire the next generation, reshape the narrative and transform decision making. Seeing diverse voices in the media and at the forefront of conversations challenges stereotypes and means the expertise of women is valued as much as that of their male counterparts.
That’s why this year, I am committed to taking action. I will put myself out there more as a leader and expert voice in the skills, employment and inclusion space. I know a lot on this matter so I will do more to share my expertise. I’ll use my voice and platform to challenge media bias when I see or hear it and seek opportunities to put other women forward for speaker opportunities, especially young women, to amplify women’s voices in conversations that matter and mean something to them.
Through our programmes we’ll to consciously showcase diverse leadership through our
programmes Actively sharing the stories of women leaders to inspire others and normalise
diverse voices at the forefront of industry discussions.
Samantha – Head of Programmes
Breaking barriers to Leadership
Change happens through conversation. And I’m glad we’re still having them. But change also happens through action! That’s why I’m glad that this year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Accelerating Action’. This speed is all more needed given the pushback against advances in equity given a troubling rise in misogynistic rhetoric. And we know the barriers: women earn 20% less globally and hold just 5% of leadership roles in UK tech. The gap is real. The barriers are built-in.
And hearing Zoe’s words, I’m reminded that representation isn’t just a media issue: it plays out in workplaces too. Women earn 20% less globally and face the ‘sticky floor’, trapped in roles which aren’t always making the most of their skillset, and without clear pathways to leadership. For example, in the UK, FTSE 100 companies have 36.6% female leadership representation; clearly there is still so much room for progress. Progression isn’t just about skill, it’s about access, networks, and visibility.
One of the things I love most about our client-facing programmes is that they are built around real-life industry challenges. This exposure is incredibly powerful: it allows learners to witness women leading at the highest levels in creative, tech, and digital industries, breaking down outdated misconceptions. Over 67% of our programme participants are female or non-binary, helping to shift the gender balance in emerging industries. So when our learners work directly with industry professionals, it dismantles stereotypes about ‘gendered’ roles.
As a direct commitment, I am going to work with our network and platforms to explore how we can drive real progress in this space. This is why I’m excited that we are accelerating action by working alongside the incredible expertise of our new Advisory Board. I am committed to working with them to ensure that, through our programmes and guest speakers, we model representation by showcasing women in leadership and championing male allyship.
Caroline – Programme Coordinator
Tech should be for everyone.
Women make up just 26% of the UK tech workforce and only 5% of leadership positions. This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the amazing women in the industry and work towards a future where everyone has a chance to succeed, no matter their gender.
When women are underrepresented, they miss out on fresh ideas and different ways of thinking. But we know change won’t happen overnight, but we can all help by supporting women in digital, creative and tech by encouraging more inclusive hiring and pushing for fair opportunities.
As a personal action of mine, I’ll strive to pursue hard-to-reach areas across the North West to find young women interested in tech, with untapped potential, for our Rise programmes, to ensure their talent is seen and that they can gain access into this industry.
Teza – Programme Delivery Manager
Challenging Stereotypes
A mere 4% of traditional news stories explicitly challenge gender stereotypes, reflecting the media’s role in perpetuating biases.
The media plays a significant role in reinforcing biases that hinder progress. As an advocate for women’s advancement, I’m committed to driving change by amplifying voices and actions that challenge these outdated narratives. On International Women’s Day, I stand as an ally to help women accelerate their impact within the industry and the workforce.
As part of Agent Academy, I am proud to see that 75% of my team at Agent Academy is driven by women in leadership roles. We are clearly setting the precedent and acting as the catalyst for changing the narrative.
Talking about change is important. Making it happen is essential.
Change doesn’t happen by chance, it happens because people choose to take action. At Agent Academy, we’re not just talking about gender equality; we’re embedding it into everything we do, from the way we design our programmes to the voices we amplify. This International Women’s Day, we’re accelerating action by making real commitments to representation, leadership, and transparency. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring our learners see diverse leadership, experience real inclusion, and have access to meaningful opportunities.