mission51
Shreya Patel-Parekh
I won’t bore you with my whole story. Like most of us, I’ve had my ups, downs, gaps and plenty of “What am I even doing?” moments. You can read the snapshot below. So here's why Fifty1Percent exists.
Women make up about fifty one percent of the population, yet we’re still trailing behind in health and wealth. If you haven’t looked into the stats (I hadn’t until I read Invisible Women), the gaps are shocking. We face worse healthcare outcomes and hold significantly less wealth than men. That’s why I started the EmpowHER podcast—to help women take control of their health and finances by learning from experts. But that was just the start.
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Now, Fifty1Percent is here with a bigger mission: to close the health and wealth gaps for women. We’re doing this through - Knowledge: Podcasts, events and resources packed with practical advice. Collaboration: Partnering with amazing people and organisations and Community: A strong, supportive network of women and allies.
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We can’t wait around for the research to catch up - we need to act now. When you join us you’ll not only learn but also connect with an incredible community. And that network could be the key to building a better future for YOU and the women in your life.
The Journey
1977
Shreya is Born
Born in South London, I grew up surrounded by activism and women’s rights. I was lucky—what I saw as “normal” was my family living their own version of activism.
1981-2000
The System
Juggled school, part-time jobs, and personal challenges through GCSEs, A-levels, and university. I didn’t excel at everything (except university!), but I made it. Faced judgment for my values, but kept pushing forward.
2000-2012
Work-Life Balance (not)
Landed various jobs, met amazing people, worked and saved hard. Got married, bought a house, had kids—and faced plenty of judgment along the way (too strong-minded, too pro-women’s rights, too organized). Like many, I was blindsided by the reality of juggling parenthood, health, and building wealth. The gender gaps? Still didn’t see them clearly, except for the pay gap.
2013-20
The Founder of...
Launched startups in tech, retail, and recruitment, met incredible people, and grew my network. Although the startups eventually closed due to funding and other challenges, the lessons were invaluable. Then, life got busier with the arrival of another child.
2020 - 2022
Covid-19 & DiveIn
During Covid, I found myself at home with the kids and launched DiveIn, a volunteer-led Diversity & Inclusion group hosting monthly events and sharing resources (shoutout to Mevish Aslam for the push!). Expanded my network and met incredible people.
2022-2023
Renovations
Renovated our house, dove into health and wealth education, saved, invested, and searched for my next move. Reading Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez was a wake-up call—shocking me into thinking about how to create real change for women.
2023
EmpowHER is born
My confidence has grown—no longer the shy woman afraid of speaking, even to a small audience. In March 2023, I launched the EmpowHER podcast, focusing on women’s health and wealth and featuring inspiring conversations, mostly with women.
2024/25
fifty1percent is born
I wanted to create a movement—a community for women and allies—to close the women’s health and wealth gaps. Led by Knowledge, Driven by Collaboration, Strengthened by Community. This is just the beginning. Join Us