Joeli Brearley MBE
Gender Equality
Diversity and Inclusion
Future of Work

Joeli Brearley MBE

Transform workplace equality with Joeli Brearley, speaker, activist and discrimination expert. Joeli works with organisations to address motherhood penalty and gender bias, delivering impactful change recognised by British Vogue and honoured with an MBE.

Joeli Brearley MBE Speaker Biography

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Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed charity
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MBE for services to working families
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Led March of the Mummies across the UK
Joeli Brearley is a prominent British activist, author, and public speaker, best known as the founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, a charity dedicated to addressing workplace discrimination and the motherhood penalty. Her work has inspired changes at both societal and legislative levels. She is credited with influencing the recent £5.2 billion investment in childcare, as well as changing laws on flexible working, tribunal time limits, and redundancy protections.

In 2021, she took the Government to court for indirect sex discrimination and won her claim. Joeli spearheaded the biggest protest of mothers the UK has ever seen - March of the Mummies saw 15,000 parents march across 10 UK cities, garnering nationwide attention for demanding workplace equality and better policies for parents.

Joeli has been recognised for her influence in activism and gender equality. She was listed among British Vogue’s “25 Most Influential Women” in 2021 and was PR Week’s 8th most prominent British communicator in 2023, and was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours. She frequently contributes to high-profile publications, raising awareness about the systemic challenges working mothers face. Her book, Pregnant Then Screwed: The Truth About the Motherhood Penalty, has been lauded for its candid exploration of these issues and for empowering women to fight back against discrimination.

Joeli remains a tireless advocate for creating a fairer, more inclusive workplace for women everywhere.

Why We Recommend Booking Joeli

Book Joeli Brearley to inspire your team with her powerful insights on workplace equality and the motherhood penalty. Her compelling stories and proven advocacy will motivate change, foster inclusivity, and empower your organisation to champion gender equality. Don’t miss the chance to learn from a true leader in activism.

Joeli Brearley MBE's Showreel and Videos

Topics, Sessions And Talks

The Truth About the Motherhood Penalty and How to Fix It

Joeli Brearley will delve into the motherhood penalty, highlighting its significance for businesses and the workplace. She will share real stories from mothers, present compelling data on the issue, and discuss the business case for addressing it. Attendees will learn about pregnancy discrimination, gender bias, and effective strategies to attract and retain talented women. Joeli will also provide actionable steps to support parents at work and improve the motherhood penalty both professionally and personally.

Campaigning for Legislative Change

Joeli Brearley will share her insights on campaigning for legislative change, drawing from her extensive experience in advocacy. She will discuss effective strategies for mobilising support, engaging stakeholders, and navigating the political landscape. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how to influence policy and drive meaningful change in their communities, equipping them with the tools needed to make a significant impact in their advocacy efforts.

Using Social Media to Build Authentic Connection

Joeli Brearley will explore how to leverage social media to foster genuine connections with your audience, community, and customers. She will share insights on creating authentic engagement and building trust through effective online communication. Attendees will learn practical strategies for enhancing their social media presence, understanding their audience better, and cultivating meaningful relationships that drive loyalty and support. Join Joeli to discover the power of authenticity in social media interactions.

Custom Session

Looking for a custom keynote or workshop designed around your company’s goals and culture? The expert will create a tailored, interactive session that aligns with your objectives, values, and strategic priorities. From leadership and innovation to wellbeing and collaboration, each experience is built from the ground up to deliver measurable impact and lasting change.

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