Laura Byrne says International Women’s Day is ‘symbolic’ when companies are doing ‘nothing to close the gender pay gap’
Reality stars turned podcasters Laura Byrne and Brittany Hockley have called International Women’s Day a “symbolic” gesture.
The couple criticized the national day the uncut lifesaying companies are doing “nothing to close the gap” between men and women when hosting IWD events.
‘We have some mixed feelings about International Women’s Day. It’s not about what the day is supposed to represent, but we have a problem with how corporate it has become,” Laura began.
“It’s become a real symbolic day about, ‘Wow, we appreciate our women,’ but they’re not really doing anything to close the gap.”
Brittany added: “I don’t see the point of putting in a day where the heads of all these companies go out, have a luncheon, post some photos and a quote about strong women and then nothing changes.”
Reality stars turned podcasters Laura Byrne (right) and Brittany Hockley (left) have called International Women’s Day a “symbolic” gesture.
Laura said she also feels International Women’s Day “doesn’t celebrate all types of women.”
“The other part of it is that I feel like it’s just about celebrations and a certain type of woman. It just celebrates the women who are in the workforce, who try really hard,” she said.
‘What about women who are housewives? Women who are contributing to society in caring roles? We don’t glorify or celebrate that as an equitable contribution to society.”
Brittany and Laura said “it’s about celebrating women and people alike,” but there needs to be a significant change.
The couple criticized the national day in Life Uncut, saying companies are doing “nothing to close the gap” between men and women when hosting IWD events.
Former reality stars launched his Life Uncut podcast in 2019.
Last month, ARN’s iHeart Radio network re-signed the duo to a new multi-year contract to continue their successful podcast.
Laura rose to fame as the winner of The Bachelor in 2017 and shares two children with her fiancé Matty Johnson.
Brittany made it to the finale of The Bachelor a year later with Sophie Tieman, only for lead Nick Cummins to cast neither.
Brittany added: “I don’t see the point of putting in a day where the heads of all these companies go out, have a lunch…and then nothing changes.”
