Some architects might question the need for action targeted specifically at encouraging women to stay in the profession and progress to senior levels, half a century after the Equal Pay Act 1970 and Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (replaced by the Equality Act 2010). This includes women at the start of their careers – where they are still 50% of the profession – and the minority of women who have made it to the top.

But the 10.4% median gender pay gap in our industry speaks for itself.

There is no getting away from the need for practices to better understand why there is still such a low proportion of women at senior levels – and what they can do to eradicate this imbalance.

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