The institute said it had hired gender equality charity the Fawcett Society to carry out a major new study looking at the true scale and complexity of gender inequity of the UK architectural profession.Less than a third of architects are women (31 per cent), while the sector had an average gender pay gap of 16 per cent, according to RIBA research published in May.The new study will explore the experiences of female architects and women who have left the profession, while also looking at the intersection of gender with other protected characteristics.AdvertisementThe report will detail the causes of gender inequity in architecture, set out why the profession needs to be more equitable and outline best practice from other sectors and the architecture profession overseas.It will also make recommendations for improving equity in architecture, considering next steps for the RIBA and other professional bodies, employers, universities and the government.RIBA chief executive Valerie Vaughan-Dick said:You dont have to tell most architects that the profession has a problem with gender equity they already know, not least because many feel the impact of this bias every single day.Following decades of research, the pace of change remains far too slow compared to other professions, and significant action is still needed. Understanding the barriers to making more rapid progress is critical.The Fawcett Society, named after suffragist Millicent Fawcett, is a charity that campaigns for gender equality. It was founded in 1953 and is currently chaired by Harriet Harman, a former cabinet member and solicitor general who was the second-longest serving female MP in British history. AdvertisementIts report will be editorially independent of the RIBA.Fawcett Society chief executive Jemima Olchawski said: With less than a third of architects being women, and despite multiple studies that have sought to understand the problem, now is the time for action.Our research will shine a spotlight on tangible evidence-based actions that the profession urgently needs to take to reach gender equity, as well as deliver a realistic roadmap of how it can get there. We look forward to speaking to women in the profession to hear their priorities for change.Campaign group Women in Architecture UK said it was supporting the study, adding: Real progress requires bold action and collaboration, and were excited to be part of a project that seeks not only to diagnose the challenges but also to drive meaningful and lasting change in our industry.Source:9b Careers2024-11-04Will Ingcomment and share