Author: Ellie Pinder
Women in leadership are leaving their jobs at the highest rate we have ever seen. For every 100 men who get promoted from entry-level roles to manager positions, only 87 women get promoted (1). The lack of support and visibility for women in the workplace demonstrates how gender disparity impacts the goal of equality.
Drawing attention to women and workplace culture is highlighted within this year's International Women’s Day 2023 theme titled "Embracing Equity' (1,2).
International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place every year on March 8th. It has been recognised since the early 1900s, at a time of severe oppression and inequality (3). IWD aims to celebrate the worldwide social, economic, cultural and political achievements whilst championing the progression of gender parity (4).
The term gender parity links to this year's theme of ‘embracing equity’. But what do these terms mean? Keep reading to find out how ‘equity’ is defined and why this theme is so important. We will also share the ways you can embrace equity in your own business and key action steps to take.
What is Gender Parity?
Gender parity provides a numerical value to gender ratios within contexts such as education and income. It is the numerical representation of accessible opportunities (5). Currently, no countries have achieved gender parity, but Iceland is the closest, with 90.8% of its gender gap closed (6).
Gender parity is only one element of gender equality, and the concept of equality involves the larger systematic and policy changes needed for true balance.
Gender Equality vs Gender Equity
Gender equality is also defined as equal access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender. Whilst "gender equity is the equal treatment or the treatment that is equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, and opportunities” (7).
It is essential to define these terms to understand the systemic issues women face. And this is why groups like IWD call for organisations to embrace equity within the workplace.
What Does it Mean to ‘Embrace Equity’ this International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day 2023 states equal opportunities are not enough. The Gender Gap Report 2022 showed that we are not set to achieve gender parity for another 132 years, with gender workplace equality taking 151 years to close (6). IWD suggests we need to look at equity focused solutions for generating real change and progression (2).
How to Embrace Equity in the Workplace
“Nearly 80% of workers report that they want to work for a company that values diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) (8). So, it's essential that businesses understand the systemic issues that make DEI a complex subject.
Systemic issues and implicit bias cannot be erased overnight, as they are part of a much larger problem. However, there are ways to eliminate bias that impact things like staff performance, wellbeing and professional development.
Action Steps:
1. Hold Bias
Lean In and IWD have come together to share some valuable free resources that you can use to guide managers, employees and yourself. Women face bias due to their sexuality, race and other aspects of their identity (9). It is vital that you are aware of these and take action to educate your teams to avoid implicit bias and the negative impact this has on women.
2. Create a DEI
Not only are DEI committees the right thing to do to support women and minority groups, but they are essential for the success of a business. Hiring and working with people from all backgrounds allows your teams to evolve and thrive collectively. Implementing a DEI committee within your company helps encourage the discussion of DEI-related issues and creates a safe space for your teams.
3. Development Programmes +
Equity is about offering support, resources and opportunities equivalent to what may already be in place for men. Women are more likely to experience unmanageable workloads, lack of promotions and pay rises, with 60% of women regularly experiencing microaggressions at work (1). Creating supportive development and growth programs is essential for helping women and keeping them in the company.
International Women’s Day and LeanIn have a range of free resources for you to use to generate lasting change. We have linked all our sources below so you can check them out and embrace equity.
Are you looking to support your teams in the best way possible and create a positive change. Learn more about the tools we offer at Each Person to support employee wellbeing, financial health and much more. Get in touch with the team today by emailing support@eachperson.com.
Sources:
- Lean In reports women leaders are leaving companies at an unprecedented
-are-leaving-companies-at-an-unprecedented-rate +
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workpla ce
2. International Women’s Day 2023 theme - https://www.internationalwomensday.com/theme
3. The History of International Women’s Day - https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Activity/15586/The-history-of-IWD
4. About International Women’s Day - https://www.internationalwomensday.com/about
5. Gender Parity - From gender parity to gender equality: Changing women’s lived realities - https://www.idos-research.de/en/the-current-column/article/from-gender-parity-to-gender-equality- changing-womens-lived-realities
6. Global gender gap narrowing, but still 132 years to reach parity - IWD - https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Missions/18487/Global-gender-gap-narrowing-but-still- 132-years-to-reach-parity
7. What Is Gender Equity And How Is It Different From Gender Equality? Feminism Media https://feminisminindia.com/2022/01/21/what-is-gender-equity-and-how-is-it-different-from-gender
8. Betterup - Equity in the workplace - https://www.betterup.com/blog/equity-in-the-workplace
9. LeanIn 50 Ways to Fight Bias Training -
https://internationalwomensday.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/resources/IWD-2023-LeanIn-50W aysToFightBias-resource-deck.pdf
