What is a “MANel” and why is it no longer acceptable?
On stage discussions populated exclusively by men are called “MANels” and found so commonly in industry events that we don’t question them. From conferences (MANferences?) to board rooms, media to the White House – MANels are framing discussions and forming public opinions.
It is no longer acceptable across industries to hear only male voices on issues that impact the whole community, and it is up to all of us to not only bring awareness but change the mindset to achieve a more equitable end goal – hosting an inclusive gathering to build a more just economy and future.

This is not about giving opportunities to people who are not men; it is about recognizing — and benefitting from — the intelligence and insights of a wide and varied group of women, as well as other historically disenfranchised groups, to bring their talents to the speaker domain. Without gender parity, we fail to report on and research accurately the society as a whole.
These realities are slowly beginning to be percolate in the wider culture and comes on the heels of other longstanding movements aimed at foregrounding the participation of women and minorities in science, tech, finance, law, etc.

At TiE Women, we believe in amplifying the full range of talent and expertise across various industries.

When panels, conferences, and public conversations reflect the people who are actually doing the work,everyone benefits, from stronger discussions to smarter outcomes.

And yet, all-male panels – or “MANels” – remain far too common, even in fields where women are leading, innovating, and shaping the future every day.

Studies show that despite women making up 47% of the workforce across many industries, they are represented in only 20-30% of panel speakers at major conferences.

This disparity is not due to a lack of qualified experts; for example, research finds that over 60% of women leaders are willing to speak at events, yet their visibility remains limited.

These lineups reflect habits and networks that haven’t kept pace with reality.We believe it’s time to raise this standard.

We pledge to support events that reflect the full scope of talent, not just those who are most visible, but also those who have historically been overlooked. We believe that great ideas come from many places and that thoughtful representation is a matter of professionalism, not politics.

As speakers, we will ask who else is on the panel. If we see that no women are included, we’ll raise the flag. When appropriate, we’ll offer recommendations of accomplished women who deserve to be there,
from our female expert speaker database.

As event organizers, we will plan with intention. We’ll expand our outreach and seek out experts from a broader pool, not just the usual circles. Research shows that diverse panels lead to 30% more audience
engagement and satisfaction, reinforcing why inclusive planning matters.

We’ll create events where people of different experiences and perspectives are part of the conversation from the start.

As attendees, sponsors, and collaborators, we will advocate for more balanced panels. We’ll share names, make introductions, and recommend people whose voices deserve to be heard.

And we’ll recognize and celebrate those already doing this well.
This campaign is not about fulfilling quotas or checking boxes. It’s about raising the bar and ensuring that public conversations reflect the depth, talent, and leadership already present across our industries.

We invite individuals, organizations, and institutions to take this pledge with us. Together, we can shift norms, open doors, and create spaces where expertise is recognized in all its forms.