International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8th is a global celebration of women's achievements and a call to action for accelerating gender equality. This year's theme, "Accelerate Action," emphasises the urgent need to advance women's rights and opportunities.
At Eligo we are dedicated to supporting women in their careers and helping businesses build diverse, inclusive teams. Whether you're a client looking to diversify your workforce or a candidate seeking new opportunities, we're here to help you succeed.
The Business Case for Gender Diversity in the Workplace
Gender diversity is not just a social responsibility; it's a strategic advantage. Companies with diverse teams are more innovative, perform better financially, and have higher employee satisfaction. By accelerating action towards gender equality, businesses can attract top talent, drive growth, and create a more inclusive workplace.
Recent Statistics on Women's Career Advancement:
Representation in Leadership: Women have made significant gains in leadership roles over the past decade. However, they still face challenges, with only 81 women promoted to manager for every 100 men.
Economic Participation: Women's participation in the labour force has increased, with the global rate rising from 63.5% to 65.7% between 2023 and 2024.
Educational Attainment: In the UK, women now make up 57% of the higher education student population. Additionally, 38% of women aged 25-64 have a university degree, compared to 33% of men.
Gender pay gap statistics:
UK Gender Pay Gap statistics: As of April 2024, the gender pay gap for full-time employees in the UK was 7.0%, down from 7.5% in 2023.
Age Disparity: The gender pay gap is larger for employees aged 40 years and over compared to those under 40.
Occupational Differences: The gender pay gap is highest in skilled trades occupations and lowest in caregiving, leisure, and other service occupations.
Regional Variations: The gender pay gap among full-time employees is higher in every English region than in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
Overcoming Barriers to Accelerate Action
Despite the progress made with gender diversity, women still face significant barriers in the workplace. Here are some strategies to overcome these challenges:
Addressing Unconscious Bias: Employers should implement training programs to help employees recognise and mitigate unconscious biases that can affect hiring and promotion decisions.
Creating Supportive Networks: Women can benefit from joining professional networks and organisations that provide support, resources, and opportunities for career advancement. Networks like this enable support for women in leadership to grow further and offer mentorship to others who want to achieve similar career goals.
Encouraging Work-Life Balance: To promote a truly inclusive workplace, companies should offer policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible working hours, parental leave, and childcare support.
Promoting Mentorship and Sponsorship: Establishing mentorship and sponsorship programs can help women navigate their career development and gain access to leadership opportunities.
Advocating for Policy Changes: Supporting policies that promote gender equality, such as equal pay legislation and anti-discrimination laws, can create a more level playing field for women.
Tips for Employers to Accelerate Action:
Create Inclusive Job Descriptions: Use gender-neutral language and emphasise your commitment to diversity.
Offer Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible hours and remote work options can help attract and retain female talent.
Provide Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship opportunities to support women's career development.
Promote Equal Pay: Ensure that your compensation practices are fair and transparent.
Implement Diversity Training: Educate your team on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Tips for Job Seekers to Accelerate Action:
Leverage Your Network: Connect with professionals and women in leadership in your industry and seek out mentors to assist you in your career development.
Highlight Your Achievements: Be confident in showcasing your skills and accomplishments on your resume and during interviews.
Seek Out Inclusive Employers: Look for companies that prioritise diversity and have supportive policies in place.
Continue Learning: Invest in your professional career development through courses, certifications, and workshops.
Advocate for Yourself: Don't be afraid to negotiate for fair pay and benefits.
International Women's Day 2025 is another reminder of the progress we've made and the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality.
At Eligo, 58% of our employees are female, and we are committed to promoting gender diversity and supporting women's career development. We are dedicated to empowering women in the workforce and helping businesses build diverse, inclusive teams. Let's accelerate action towards a more equitable future and celebrate the achievements of women everywhere.
If you're looking to hire top female talent or seeking new career opportunities, contact us today. Together, we can make a difference.