As International Women's Day 2024 approaches, it is an opportune time for employers to reflect on their progress towards gender equity in the workplace and to reaffirm commitments to women's advancement within their organisation. This year, on 8 March, the global theme for IWD is "Inspire Inclusion", which aims to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women. International Women's Day is a day devoted to eliminating gender bias and promoting non-discriminatory employment practices.

Why International Women's Day matters in the workplace

For employers, International Women's Day provides a chance to evaluate and improve upon policies and practices that affect women's experiences at work. By actively participating in International Women's Day, companies can demonstrate their dedication to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

Despite making up half of the population, women continue to face a sizeable gender pay gap worldwide. Further, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions in most industries across the globe. It is therefore clear that significant efforts are still required to provide equal opportunities in the workplace. International Women's Day aims to raise awareness and inspire systemic change within companies to combat issues such as gender bias and discrimination.

Taking action: how employers can participate

• Host an event or workshop: Organise an event that celebrates women's achievements in your industry. Invite speakers who are role models and can inspire your workforce with their stories of overcoming challenges and breaking glass ceilings by succeeding in their careers.
• Employee training: Implement training for all members of the workforce on unconscious bias. Diversity and inclusion can help to mitigate discriminatory and biased treatment at work. Education is a powerful tool in changing perceptions and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.
• Conduct a policy review: Use International Women's Day as a catalyst to review your company policies on diversity, equity and inclusion. Ensure that your practices support the professional growth of women and address any disparities that may exist.
• Promote mentorship: Establish or highlight existing mentorship programmes that support women in their career paths. Encourage senior staff to become mentors and share their knowledge and experiences to fellow women in your organisation.
• Recognise contributions: Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the women in your organisation to provide encouragement and to make them feel valued.
• Support women-led initiatives: If there are women-led initiatives within your organisation or community, offer your support. This could be through sponsorship, volunteering or simply providing a platform for these initiatives to gain visibility.

Looking ahead

International Women's Day is not just a moment for celebration but also a reminder that the journey towards gender equity is ongoing. Employers play a crucial role in shaping the future of the workplace for women. By embracing equity, employers not only contribute to a more just society, but can also tap into a wider pool of talent, perspectives and ideas that can drive innovation and success.