I was asked to speak at an event and declared my usual caveat about the event being gender balanced to the organisers. They agreed and then started discussing how the panel I’d be on would be organised.

It was, unfortunately, going to be a manel so I stopped them and said I’d not be able to to it. They responded, agreed the panel should be mixed, and immediately changed the way they were building the event.

If you keep on, maintaining your integrity, holding your line, you will change things.

Speakers, you have power.

Male speakers, you have responsibility.

#ItStartsWithMe