Leaders stress action for gender equality ahead of International Women’s Day
International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, serves as a global reminder to address gender parity, which remains a daunting challenge in many sectors. This year's theme, "Accelerate Action", signals an urgent call to shorten the timeline for achieving gender equality. As the world increasingly recognises the role of diverse leadership in driving innovation and growth, women's voices across industries echo a shared determination to dismantle the barriers hindering progress.
Sarah Vaughan, the Founder and Director of Angelica Solutions, highlights the magnitude of this challenge by pointing out that, at the current pace, gender parity might not be achieved until 2158, which equates to roughly five generations. Vaughan stresses the necessity of identifying and addressing deeply entrenched societal norms and structures that obstruct women's advancement, especially in fields traditionally dominated by men. She makes a poignant observation that in STEM fields, for instance, female participation noticeably declines once students begin making elective choices.
Vaughan emphasises the importance of listening to women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to craft effective solutions. She advocates for more flexible career paths that accommodate the dual demands of work and family life, pointing to her own business, where she has successfully integrated strong female performers who previously struggled within rigid corporate roles. She also calls for more inclusive language, aligning with Grayson Perry's observations in "The Descent of Man" regarding gender-neutral defaulting to male-centric terms.
On the other hand, Sippora Veen, Vice President of Global Partner Marketing at Sage, sees International Women's Day as an opportunity to reflect on the progress needed in technology industries. She acknowledges the potential of AI and emerging technologies as transformative tools for promoting inclusivity, provided they are developed with equitable data sets. This inclusive approach is crucial for addressing the skills gap faced by the technology sector and for promoting sustainable growth.
Veen asserts that diversity at all levels is necessary for resilience and innovation, and highlights Sage's commitment to creating transparent career paths and inclusive programmes such as their Partner Academy. By fostering a culture where diverse voices are not only heard but amplified, industries can inspire the next generation of leaders, ensuring technology's benefits are equitably distributed.
Julia Astashkina, Senior Director of Growth at StarTree, shares a personal perspective rooted in her dual roles as a leader and a mother. She is passionate about creating an environment where her daughter, and future generations, can thrive without limitations imposed by gender bias. Astashkina calls for visibility and urgency in tracking representation and fostering mentorship, stressing the need for well-supported pathways to leadership positions for women.
The sentiments expressed by Vaughan, Veen, and Astashkina illustrate a collective consensus that tangible and immediate actions are required to break down systemic barriers. Such efforts not only focus on present inequalities but also aim to create an environment where gender inclusion is an inherent aspect of organisational culture, not just an initiative. As they contend, accelerating action now is crucial to ensure that the future is one where gender equality is not a distant goal, but a lived reality for all.
