Against a broader backdrop of societal gender imbalance, this session explores the ways in which stereotypes and expectations present challenges to men as well as women, and deconstructs some of the myths and misconceptions that might prevent men from being part of positive change. Come and take an active look at practical, positive action that male allies can take to shift stereotypes, support survivors and create change in their own sphere.

Laura Bates is the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, author of eight books including Everyday Sexism (shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year), the Sunday Times bestseller Girl Up, The Burning (nominated for the Carnegie Medal) and Fix the System, Not the Women. Her books have been translated into 8 languages.

Laura writes regularly for the Guardian and the New York Times amongst others and won a British Press Award in 2015. She is a frequent media commentator across Newsnight, Today, BBC Breakfast, Channel 4 News, CNN and more. She has presented two BBC television documentaries and is a consultant for productions tackling issues around gender inequality. She has spoken at the United Nations, Sydney Opera House, and the Houses of Parliament, working closely with politicians, businesses, schools, and other organisations to tackle gender inequality.