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Women in Football (WIF) invited everyone involved in the sport to an open webinar to discuss the thought-provoking findings from the organisation's recent survey of the football industry's female workforce.

The webinar took place on Thursday 3 August and the recording is available here.

WIF's regular programme of webinars, bringing the organisation's community together online with experts from the football industry, is usually open only to Women in Football members. But the findings of the survey are seen as so significant, and of interest to the whole of the football industry, that this time anyone could have registered to take part.

Conducted in spring 2023, the survey found that 82 per cent of women in football have experienced discrimination at work – up from 66 per cent just three years earlier.

On the positive side, 89 per cent said they were optimistic about the prospects of women in the football industry – a rise from 62 per cent in WIF's 2016 survey – but only 27 per cent of women said they are encouraged to forge pathways to the highest positions in the game.

More results from the survey were released last week.

Yvonne Harrison, CEO of Women in Football, said: "The findings of our survey are a real mixed bag. In some areas we're hugely encouraged – in others there's cause for deep concern.

"The most inclusive organisations perform best, and a more equal football industry would be better for everyone. So we're throwing the doors wide open and inviting everyone in the game to log in for this webinar – because what we're discussing affects the whole of football."

The panellists on the webinar were:

• Yvonne Harrison CEO, Women in Football
• Kelly Simmons OBE Women’s Professional Game Director, The FA; Director, Women in Football
• Katy Bowman Director, Head of Sponsorship Partnerships, Barclays
• Kaammini Chanrai Equity & Inclusion Director, Brentford FC
• Shruti Patel Senior Data Planner/Strategist, Iris Worldwide

Supported by lead partner Barclays, Women in Football represents more than 7,000 members of all genders who are passionate about equality in the football industry.

As well as the WIF webinar programme, members receive access to a comprehensive suite of professional development opportunities, including regular networking events, career support programmes, and the renowned Women in Football Leadership Course in partnership with Barclays.

Anyone wishing to join can apply for free membership via the WIF website.

Watch the webinar now

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