Embracing Equity: International Women’s Day 2023

Today, 8 March 2023, is International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme is ‘embrace equity’. So, I thought I’d write about the importance of embracing equity to women’s career development and the powerful role that mentoring can play.

Team AO share their thoughts on IWD Clare Roberts , Amy Farnfield , Beate Giffo-Schmitt , Aitana Leret , Katie Thomas , Gwen Tredinnick , and Nyaniso Gasa .

Gender equity

Gender equity has been a contentious issue in workplaces around the world for many years. Women continue to face various barriers to advancement, from unequal pay to inadequate representation in leadership positions. Despite the progress made in the last few decades, achieving true gender equity is still a long way off. For women to succeed in their careers, it is essential that equity is embraced in all aspects of their professional lives.

Equity, in this context, refers to ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. It recognises that different individuals may require different levels of support or resources to fulfil their ambitions. In the workplace, this means that women should have equal access to training, development, and promotional opportunities. It also means that women should be paid equally to their male counterparts and that they should not face any barriers due to gender bias or discrimination.

Why is embracing equity essential for women’s career development?

1. It ensures that women are given the same opportunities to advance in their careers as their male colleagues. As a result, women are more likely to be promoted, given challenging assignments, and offered opportunities for growth and development. This can help women to build their skills and experience, which in turn can improve their job satisfaction and increase their earning potential.
2. It contributes to a more diverse and inclusive workplace. When women are given equal opportunities, they are more likely to bring a unique perspective to the workplace. This can lead to better decision-making, improved innovation, and increased creativity. A more diverse workplace can also attract a wider range of talent and customers, which can improve the organisation’s reputation and bottom line.
3. It can help to reduce turnover and improve employee retention. When women feel valued and supported in their careers, they are more likely to stay with their current employer. This can save organisations time and money on recruitment and training costs. It can also improve morale and create a more positive work environment.
4. It is simply the right thing to do. Women make up half of the population and contribute to the economy in countless ways. They deserve fair treatment and equal opportunities to succeed. Therefore, by embracing equity, organisations can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Equal access

In conclusion, embracing equity is crucial for women’s career development. Not only does it ensure women have equal access to opportunities, resources, and support, it also helps to create a more diverse, inclusive, and productive workplace. By prioritising equity, organisations can improve employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and create a more just and equitable society. It is time for all organisations to embrace equity and work towards a more equal and inclusive future.

The Power of Mentoring to Support Women’s Career Development

Mentoring is an essential tool for the advancement of women in every field, and International Women’s Day is an excellent time to reflect on its importance. Women have come a long way in terms of equality, but there is still work to do. Mentoring can play a significant role in addressing some of the obstacles women face in their careers.

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a partnership between two individuals, where a more experienced and knowledgeable person offers guidance and support to a less experienced person. The mentor provides advice, shares knowledge and experience, and helps the mentee develop skills and confidence to achieve their goals.

This partnership is particularly important for women because they often face unique challenges in the workplace. Women may struggle to be taken seriously, have their ideas heard, or receive recognition for their work. They may also face bias, discrimination, or unequal opportunities for advancement. A mentor can help a woman navigate these challenges, provide insight into how to overcome them, and offer guidance on how to advance in their career.

Mentors can also help women identify and develop their strengths, set goals, and create a plan to achieve them. They can provide feedback, offer constructive criticism, and help their mentee build their network of contacts. This support can be invaluable, particularly for women who may not have access to such resources.

For women who are new to a field or who are trying to break into a male-dominated industry, having a mentor can be even more critical. A mentor can help them navigate the culture and provide insight into how to succeed in a challenging environment. They can also serve as a role model and provide inspiration to women who may feel isolated or discouraged.

One of the most significant benefits of mentoring is that it creates a pipeline of talent for the future. When women receive guidance and support from experienced professionals, they are more likely to succeed in their careers. This success, in turn, can inspire and motivate other women to pursue their goals.

A brighter future

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is essential to recognise the role that mentoring can play in advancing women’s careers. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, there is always something to learn from someone else. By becoming a mentor or seeking out a mentor, women can support each other and build a brighter future for themselves and the generations to come.

To learn more about mentoring in the workplace, please download our free ebook M-Power. A Practical Guide to Mentoring in the Workplace.