8 Ways to Embrace Equity on International Women’s Day |

In its entirety, International Women’s Day (JIF) is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. Observed as a day to raise awareness of the The hard-won victories of women’s movementsthe historic and ongoing struggle for gender equality, as well as a day to promote action that helps women overcome gender barriers in their many forms, IWD deserves to be observed/celebrated in whatever form you deem appropriate!

Breaking news: the theme of IWD 2023 is #EmbraceEquity.

What exactly is gender equality?

Often used interchangeably With the term “gender equality,” “gender equity” actually has a different meaning. IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity The campaign actually aims to spark important conversations about why ““Equal opportunity” is not enough – and can actually be exclusiverather than Understood.

While gGender equality refers to the equal treatment of individuals regardless of their sex. Gender equity recognizes the importance differences that exist between the different genres, and recognizes Some groups, such as women and non-binary people, have historically faced and continue to face discrimination. As such, “equality” in the traditional sense (i.e., treating everyone the same) fails to create a level playing field for all. Instead, these groups require supports and accommodations that are specifically tailored to their unique needs—only then can they achieve true equality. In other words, equity can mean providing more and or different support for women and other vulnerable groups.

Gender equity, most often used in a professional context, therefore means the equitable allocation of resources, programs and decision-making power to all genders, without bias or discrimination based on gender. It also means addressing gender imbalances in benefits, opportunities or resources. The ongoing battle for true gender equality salary equity is a stark example of the dire state of gender equality in the workplace: in 2022, the average woman still earns 82 cents for every dollar earned by a man.

How to embrace equity in 2023

On International Women’s Day, consider embracing equity in one of these eight ways:

1. Celebrate the women you work with.

Celebrating incredible, badass women is always a great way to focus your energies during IWD. But while you can always highlight the victories of famous women, chances are you work alongside some impressive women on a daily basis who could really use a little recognition, or even celebration! The truth is, most of us are so wrapped up in our work that our victories are easily buried, so why not take advantage of IWD to pay tribute to your fellow women and their many victories?

2. Think about the support available to women in your workplace.

IWD is a great time to take stock and reassess the overall initiatives, support and resources you offer your female colleagues/employees. Think about mentoring programs, a decent parental leave policy, access to free menstrual products, menstrual leave, menopause leaveor free/affordable/on-site childcare, to name a few. These and other initiatives and policies could make a world of difference in the lives of so many. If your workplace is lacking in this area and you are not personally able to address the situation, consider mobilizing your team to advocate for more.

3. Wear purple and strike a pose.

Purple is the official color of International Women’s Day, so you can get in the right frame of mind by encouraging your colleagues to wear purple for the day and/or putting up purple decorations around the office, if appropriate. And, since IWD organizers are encouraging workplaces to post team photos of staff striking this year’s official pose (a show of solidarity with those fighting for equity), you can take it a step further by sharing photos, videos, resources, presentations, articles, or group shots. music (all in purple!) using the hashtags #IWD2023 and #EmbraceEquity.

4. Support more women-owned businessesp.

THE the majority of those living in poverty All over the world, women and girls are women. If you own or run a business, International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to review your supply chain and see if there are any changes you can make. just like that— so you can support more women-owned businesses. Not only is this a fantastic way to make a difference, it also helps good business sense! Plus, it will 100% improve your Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy. And even if you’re not a business owner, it’s always worth checking to see if there’s a fair trade, woman-owned version of what you’re looking to buy, baby.

5. Make giving part of your company culture.

It is becoming increasingly common for employers to provide their employees with volunteer leave (VTO): This is a few days of paid time off each year to volunteer. Not only is it a great way to alleviate burnout and boost morale, but volunteering can be invaluable in promoting overall well-being, building self-esteem, and deepening social connections, all while helping a worthwhile organization. In honor of IWD, you can choose any women’s organization you like (perhaps in consultation with your staff). If you’re not the boss, introducing VTO can be an interesting topic for a work meeting.

6. Encourage people to report discrimination

This is a very important topic because it’s not just about sharing posts on social media or simply expressing support for better workplace policies. In reality, people who feel safe and happy at work are more productive and loyal. So always remember that what’s good for your employees is good for your business! Put the energy into encouraging employees/colleagues to report discrimination when they witness or experience it. If you’re in a position of power or influence within your organization, go further by taking steps to ensure that the processes in place to handle reports of this nature are not discriminatory or otherwise problematic in themselves. This may require addressing unconscious biases in existing policies.

7. Remind employees of all genders to think about the alliance

The fight for gender equality must never be limited to or focused solely on women. For meaningful change to happen, it is essential that men, and indeed people of all genders, act as allies. This could take the form of discussing the different ways men in the workplace can support women or female-identifying colleagues, or training on how to better identify gender discrimination in the workplace, including in one’s own unconscious biases.

8. Recognize unpaid care work

It’s no news that women typically shoulder the burden of childcare, eldercare, and caring for their partners, often in addition to working for a living. Unsurprisingly, this can quickly lead to significant physical, mental, emotional, and financial burnout, as well as negatively impacting opportunities for education, well-paid or full-time employment (as well as career advancement), and overall enjoyment of life. Working all the time with little time for yourself and little money to show for it can be extremely demoralizing. Recognize these injustices when you see them, in and out of the workplace, and do what you can to voice your support for campaigns like #CareIncomeNow.

By adopting some or all of the measures listed above, it may be possible to help create a more equitable world for women and people of all genders. Here is a small overview inspiration for the road.

Happy IWD 2023 to all, hugs!