This International Women’s Day (IWD), we unite under the theme ‘Accelerate Action’ – a call to fast-track gender equality and challenge the barriers that continue to hold women back. At the current rate, full gender parity won’t be achieved until 2158 – five generations from now. That’s far too long. The time for incremental change is over; we must act decisively and urgently.
From persistent wage gaps to under-representation in leadership, from systemic biases to everyday workplace challenges, women across the globe continue to face uphill battles. While progress has been made, it remains slow. Women hold only 10% of top executive positions, despite evidence that diverse leadership leads to better business outcomes. Gender inequality costs the global economy an estimated $160 trillion – a stark reminder that when women are held back, we all lose.
A personal journey through the many arenas of gender inequality
Reflecting on my journey, having started my career in 1977 after excelling in secretarial college, I’ve witnessed the evolving landscape for women in the workplace first-hand. From my early days working at a bank, where male managers reigned supreme, to facing gender-based expectations both at work and at home, my experiences mirror the broader struggle for equality.
I recall how, in my office, the women were expected to handle the ‘housekeeping’ tasks – making tea, filing, and franking mail – while the men climbed the corporate ladder. Sexual harassment was a reality many of us endured silently. I remember one colleague who repeatedly invaded my personal space, making inappropriate comments. Feeling isolated, I confided in my husband, who took action on my behalf. Only then was the perpetrator transferred to another branch. Looking back, I realise that I should have felt empowered to report the issue myself – but the culture at the time made that nearly impossible.
Even outside the office, I faced scrutiny. When I returned to work after having my son, my husband’s colleagues at the colliery questioned why I wasn’t staying home with the baby. Gender roles were deeply entrenched, making even personal decisions subject to criticism. But my husband and I stood firm, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for a more equal future.
The reality today: progress, but not enough
Despite progress, systemic challenges persist.
- 2.7 billion women still face legal restrictions on job opportunities available to men.
- Women carry a disproportionate share of unpaid domestic and care work, limiting career advancement.
- Even in leadership, the pipeline is slow-moving – while women are rising in managerial roles, breaking into senior leadership remains a challenge.
- Climate change disproportionately affects women – when environmental disasters like floods, hurricanes, or droughts force communities to relocate, about 80% of those displaced are women. They not only lose their homes but also face challenges in finding stable employment or accessing support services. This deepens existing economic inequalities.
The data is clear: without urgent action, the road to gender equality will take centuries.
Accelerating action – what can we do?
Change requires collective effort. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play. Here are key actions we can take:
- Champion workplace equality: Advocate for equal pay, representation, and mentorship programmes that help women advance.
- Challenge bias: Speak up against everyday sexism and workplace discrimination.
- Support women-owned businesses: Invest in women entrepreneurs and foster a culture of inclusivity.
- Engage men as allies: True progress happens when men and women work together to dismantle barriers.
- Prioritise women in climate action: Ensure that policies addressing climate change also uplift the women most affected.
A message of hope
I’m made of strong stuff – after all, I come from the north, where tough love and a good sense of humour are part of the family recipe. My journey is one that has required me to draw on resilience, tackle both professional battles and personal challenges, but where a cheeky laugh often helped me pick myself up after life’s knocks. Even though deep-seated norms continue to shape our workplaces and societies, I know I have a choice: to stand still or to act boldly. With respect, kindness, and a regular chuckle at life’s absurdities, I believe we can accelerate change. I refuse to wait five generations for progress.
Let’s #AccelerateAction today. If you’re inspired by our commitment to accelerating gender equality and want to learn more about how our family business champions these values through our products and community, please get in touch.
