Equal Play

"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.