Why women matter to the channel, and what we’re doing to champion them

We recently received a media request regarding our Women in Channel Community - questions around its importance, how we drive change and the issues with the industry at large. Here, we share our reflections - inspired by the enquiry - on why we set up the initiative in the first place.

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Meaningful change takes time

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Driving meaningful change in the telecoms and IT channel starts with honest reflection and sustained action. Women still represent less than 20% of the UK telecoms workforce: we have a long way to go and the industry remains far from balanced. And while it's fair to say that there’s been some progress made, it’s neither moving fast enough nor is it far-reaching either. 

The truth is, the channel has an image problem. And this isn’t something that can be fixed with token gestures or International Women's day social posts. It's a deep rooted industry trend, and if it’s going to be shifted, it needs to be lived and breathed day in day out. The industry appears non-inclusive, old-fashioned and, frankly, not very appealing - or approachable - to women.

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Reflection and representation

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As one of our recent podcast guests put it, “you can’t aspire to be something you can’t see.” Representation matters. Women need to see themselves reflected at every level of the industry, especially in leadership roles where innovation is driven and decisions are made. 

We’re determined to help change the narrative and build an industry which is better, stronger, more versatile and more welcoming on all fronts to all people.

That’s why we’re proud to have launched Women in Channel, a dedicated community built to connect, support and champion women across the industry. This is more than just a networking group, it’s a movement focused on driving real change and impact through mentorship, peer support, and role models who can inspire the next generation of women in the sector.

Reframing the training

We need to start by changing the narrative at the earliest possible stages - in training and education. Women need to see the channel not just as a viable career path, but as a place where they can lead, innovate and thrive. 

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“Women need to see their aspirations reflected from an early age, and know that opportunities are open for them whatever their personalities and intellectual strengths and individual needs. The corporate world is so heavily influenced by and built around traditionally masculine characteristics - competitiveness, assertiveness, hierarchy. Qualities that aren’t typically associated with women and subtly privilege male communication styles and behaviours.”

• Emmeline Spann, Partner Account Manager, Elevate Wholesale

Emmeline discusses the inaugural event of Women In Channel here with Elevate Wholesale Director, Will Goodall

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Championing mentors and role models

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Mentorship and visibility are key. We must spotlight women already thriving in the industry. Not just in HR or marketing, but in sales, engineering, operations and executive leadership. Recognising these individuals through awards, speaking opportunities and thought leadership helps build momentum and ensures representation across all levels. It’s time to challenge the outdated perception of a male-dominated industry.

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Community as a starting point

Creating spaces where women can share experiences, support each other, and build confidence is crucial, but it’s not enough on its own. Community must be matched with action: real opportunities for career progression, fair pay, inclusive policies and diverse leadership. It’s not enough for women to simply be present, they are essential to the growth and strength of the channel and telecoms sectors. 

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“With Women in Channel, we’re creating a space where women can talk honestly about the experiences they’ve had in the channel and the wider sector; and discuss ways to reshape the industry to overcome the challenges that exist. We don’t pretend to have all the answers, but by creating more opportunities to engage and share stories, we hope that women will feel inspired and empowered by learning from the experiences of their peers.”

• Teigan Kemp, Partner Manager, Elevate Wholesale

You can hear directly from Teigan in this video where she discusses what the first Women In Channel event will include

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Small steps to systemic change

Systemic change is needed. This includes rethinking how roles are advertised, building more flexible working models and ensuring leadership buy-in. Men must play a role, because this isn’t just a women’s issue, it’s a business and cultural imperative. 

Women bear a disproportionate share of unpaid tasks such as childcare, housework and elder care - essential but often unrecognised in economic metrics. These issues are perhaps even more pronounced and go more unrecognised in such a traditionally male-dominated industry. And that’s why it’s all the more important to take proactive, visible steps to make change.

We need more open, flexible cultures that welcome and retain diverse talent - cultures that work around the lives and invisible labour of women. Our Women in Channel initiative is just one way we’re working to build that future. We encourage others across the industry to join us.

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If you would like to join us for our inagural Women In Channel Event, register your please here.

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