Why are women still not safe at work and in public? Why does gender equality still feel so far away? Why are women still underrepresented in politics and business? And what needs to change to make the workplace genuinely inclusive?

Rom talks to the amazing Helen Pankhurst and Anita Iwugo about why we’re still searching for the answers for these questions, even in 2026.

Helen Pankhurst carries one of the most recognisable names in the history of women’s rights, she is the great-granddaughter of Emeline. But this conversation is less about looking backwards and more about what still needs to change.

Helen talks about growing up with the Pankhurst name, the difference between a famous surname and a responsibility to continue the work, and why the fight for equality is far from finished.

Anita helps companies update their workplace culture and makes sure they use AI technology safely and fairly. People know her well for her leadership roles in making workplaces more diverse, fair, and welcoming for everyone.

They both talk about Centenary Action, the campaign for greater political representation, Section 106 of the Equality Act and the possibility of a gender-equal Parliament.

There’s also a look at what the next generation should inherit, including the freedom to walk into a boardroom, Parliament or a bar and simply feel that they belong there.

In this episode:

• Women’s rights, equality and political representation from the 1920s to the 2020s

• Centenary Action and the campaign for a gender-equal Parliament

• Section 106 of the Equality Act

• Women’s safety in drinks, hospitality and retail

• Female-founded drinks businesses and access to investment

• Alcohol, masculinity and power

• What equality could look like for the next generation

Raising the Glass brings together people shaping the drinks industry and the wider conversations around it from business and leadership to culture, inclusion and the future of drinks. Join us: https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

LINKS

https://centenaryaction.org.uk/

https://www.pankhurstmuseum.com/

Podcast production by: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

In some places the language around diversity, equity and inclusion is changing, but the people, culture and issues aren’t.

Celeste Warren has so much to share. From her childhood lessons from her parents about overcoming obstacles, her own route from radio and television into a career in HR, leadership and organisational development.

She talks to Rom about the things that matter most in a workplace often come down to something surprisingly straightforward: understanding people properly.

We talk about the difference between equality and equity, and why giving everyone the same thing doesn’t necessarily give everyone the same chance. Her “rocks and fence” analogy makes the point brilliantly: some people are starting with very different obstacles in front of them, and pretending those obstacles don’t exist doesn’t make them disappear.

It comes down to leadership. Know your people. Meet them one-to-one. Understand their strengths, ambitions and barriers. Build trust. And make your organisation’s values visible in the way you recruit, develop, manage and reward people.

In this episode:

• Why a career change can sometimes be the thing that unlocks the right one

• Why meritocracy doesn’t work properly without equity

• What happens when companies quietly retreat from DEI language

• The changing expectations of Gen Z in the workplace

• Why inclusive leadership is ultimately about helping people do their best work

LINKS

Celeste: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celestewarrenllc/

https://crwdiversity.com/

Raising the Glass: https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

Rom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Anne Jones spent over 20 years at Waitrose. Then she left it to build Limestone and Jones, a sustainability consultancy that refuses to sit in one box.

On the latest episode of the podcast, Anne talks about what career change actually looks like once you strip the polish off it. The uncertainty, the false starts and the years spent tryingto force something to work before you admit it won't. They also discuss the part almost nobody talks about openly, the art of rebuilding your confidence when you no longer have a big corporate name behind you.