Joeli Brearley

Joeli Brearley is a leading British activist, writer, and speaker renowned for founding Pregnant Then Screwed, a charity dedicated to tackling workplace discrimination and the gender pay gap. Her advocacy has driven significant societal and legislative changes, including influencing a £5.2 billion investment in childcare, as well as reforms in flexible working laws and redundancy protections. In 2021, she successfully sued the UK government for indirect sex discrimination, marking a pivotal moment in her campaign for gender equality. Joeli also organized March of the Mummies, the largest protest of mothers in UK history, which saw 15,000 parents rally across 10 cities to demand workplace equality and improved parenting policies.

A sought-after public speaker, Joeli’s keynote speech, The Truth About the Motherhood Penalty and How to Fix It, explores the systemic challenges faced by working mothers. In her talks, she shares compelling data, real-life stories, and the business case for addressing the motherhood penalty, while outlining four practical steps organizations can take to create fairer and more inclusive workplaces. Her ability to connect personal experiences with actionable solutions has made her a powerful voice in the fight for gender equality.

Joeli’s groundbreaking work has earned her widespread recognition. British Vogue named her one of the “25 Most Influential Women” in 2021, and in 2023, PR Week ranked her as the 8th most prominent British communicator. She frequently contributes to major publications, using her platform to shed light on the systemic obstacles faced by working mothers and advocating for a cultural shift in how workplaces support parents.

Her book, Pregnant Then Screwed: The Truth About the Motherhood Penalty, has been celebrated for its candid exploration of the challenges women face and its empowering message for fighting workplace discrimination. Joeli remains a tireless advocate for building equitable and inclusive workplaces for women across the globe.