"What does gender equality mean in childhood?"

The Mayor wants to tackle gender stereotyping early so every child can reach their full potential. As part of his flagship #BehindEveryGreatCity campaign, City Hall is convening an Equal Play event on 29 October 2018.

Research shows the importance of play in shaping children's aspirations. The event will explore the facts and show how adults across all sectors can be champions in challenging gender bias in children’s toys, books and activities.

The scope of this event means we’ve invited members of the advertising, manufacturing, publishing and retail industries. We’ve also invited representatives from parent groups, education, early years providers, government and children's charities.

PROGRAMME

Arrival & Registration | 09:00 – 09:45
Registration and refreshments are available at City Hall from 09:00, where delegates will receive their personalised programme for the day. Please allow 20 minutes to get through security. Delegates must be seated in the Chamber by 09:45 for a prompt start at 10:00.

Morning Plenary | 10:00 - 11:15
The morning session will set the scene with keynote speakers outlining the issue of gender stereotypes and what is being done by the governments, charities, toy industry and regulatory bodies they represent.

Sadiq Khan/Joanne McCartney
Mayor/Deputy Mayor of London
Rosie Rios
Visiting Scholar at Harvard University and 43rd Treasurer of the United States
Sam Smethers
CEO - Fawcett Society
Emma Perkins
Senior Director - LEGO
Guy Parker
CEO - Advertising Standards Authority

Breakout Workshops & Networking Lunch | 11:30 – 14:30
The breakout workshops will explore what delegates can do within their own sectors to champion equal opportunities for children.

A screening of innovative video campaigns will demonstrate how stereotypes are being challenged in the media, and delegates will participate in V&A workshops to reflect on their own childhood experiences.

Panel sessions - one with a focus on industry, and the other on education/policy – will drive forward discussion on how delegates can take action within their respective organisations. Panelists include:

Tanya Joseph
Director of External Relations – Nationwide, and architect of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign
Ella Smillie
Gender Stereotyping Lead - Advertising Standards Authority
Olivia Dickinson
Campaigner - Let Toys Be Toys
Lynne Cooper
Head Teacher - Nell Gwynn and Ann Bernadt Nursery Schools
Glyn Hawke
Assistant Head - Rye Oak Primary School
Beth Bramley
Gender Lead - Institute of Physics
Kimberley McGinty
Skills and Employment Adviser and Outreach Lead - VGC Group

Afternoon Plenary | 14:30 – 16:00
The final session involves a series of talks that will take a deep dive into the evidence base. This will equip delegates with a strong case to take back to their organisations to drive change.

Talks will include myth-busting around the neuroscience of gender, the history of childhood, and a focus on boys and the lack of men in the care profession.

Professor Gina Rippon
Professor of Cognitive Neuroimaging - Aston University
Katy Canales
Curator - V&A Museum of Childhood
Shaddai Tembo
Founder - Critical Early Years
Dr Joann Wilkinson
Researcher - Lancaster University

Drinks Reception | 16:00 – 18:00
The event will close with a networking drinks reception on City Hall’s 9th floor, where delegates can continue discussions surrounded by panoramic views of London’s skyline.

FAQs

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please send all questions to Dan Rowson (dan.rowson@london.gov.uk), who will be happy to field any queries.

Registrations are closed

Equal Play