Get to know Rebecca Jones, Managing Consultant

What’s been a defining moment for you as a woman in your career? 

A defining moment for me was deciding to embark on a full-time PhD. At the time, I was working part-time in an administrative role, having stepped away from full-time work when my youngest son was born six years earlier. I found it difficult to reconcile the demands of being physically present at a desk with the realities of new parenthood. 

After several years in a role that didn’t fulfil me and where I felt I wasn’t reaching my potential, I made the decision to return to university and pursue a new career path. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship that funded my studies and enabled me to leave part-time work behind. Balancing a full-time PhD with a six-year-old and a three-month-old was no small feat, but it was truly life-changing. I was driven by a deep sense that I had more to give – I never imagined that one day I’d become a professor. 

What’s the best example of gender equity leadership you’ve seen in action? 

One of the most memorable examples of gender equity leadership I’ve experienced was during my PhD interview. At the time, I was seven months pregnant with my second son. Initially, I chose not to disclose my pregnancy in the application, concerned it might impact the decision. However, during the in-person interview, it was impossible to hide. 

What stood out to me was how my prospective PhD supervisor responded. Although he didn’t have children himself at the time, he demonstrated true inclusivity by focusing on my potential and abilities rather than my pregnancy. His supportive and open-minded approach made all the difference, and it’s a moment I’ve never forgotten. 

What’s your view on the current state of gender equity? 

I find the current state of gender equity deeply concerning. Despite progress in some areas, true gender equity remains more of an aspiration than a reality. Unfortunately, there’s often a perception that gender equity has already been achieved, or even that we have gone too far, which can hinder further meaningful change. 

As a parent to two sons, I witness firsthand how persistent gender stereotypes negatively affect all genders, shaping expectations and opportunities in both work and life. These stereotypes are not only unhelpful, but can also be harmful. 

There is still a great deal of important work to be done to create truly inclusive environments where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender. 

What’s your own experience of the Three Barriers research and what tips would you give women navigating their own barriers? 

I have definitely experienced career sacrifice at various points in my journey. When my first son was born, my relationship with my then-partner followed a very traditional dynamic. Unfortunately, there was never a suggestion that his career might adjust to accommodate our new family life. As a result, the childcare responsibilities fell solely on me, and despite being the main breadwinner, I had no choice but to step back from my career. This was over 20 years ago. 

Thankfully, my current relationship is very different. My husband and I share and recognise our parental roles more equally. He takes primary responsibility for running the household, which gives me the time and mental space to focus on my career. I realise this situation is still quite unusual. From conversations with many women, I know that juggling both demanding careers and the bulk of home responsibilities remains a significant challenge.