How Businesses Can Celebrate International Women’s Day
Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive."
- International Women's Day website (2022)
International Women's Day on 8th March and Women's History Month are hugely important events in the global calendar. Celebrated across the world, it is an opportunity for businesses to celebrate the achievement of women and reinforce their commitment to gender equality.
Furthermore, sole traders to corporate enterprises can use the day to encourage collective action and behaviours that help drive diversity and inclusion and call out gender stereotypes. Such as hosting an event or fundraising for a charity helping women and girls.
Although, since its launch in 1911 women are in a much better position in the UK - we have the vote, we can work and drive cars, play and watch sports. Sadly, some basic women's rights in countries across the world have been taken away.
Equality is not a women's issue, it's an issue we are all responsible for. Gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive.”
- International Women’s Day.
According to the World Economic Forum 2022 Gender Gap Report, it will take 151 years to close economic gender gaps.
They also say that "Advancing women’s employment could add $12 trillion to global GDP and boost some countries' economic output by as much as 35%. Despite the clear business and economic case, global progress is stagnating."
Therefore, it is essential that we keep fighting for equality - so if you have a business platform, however small or large use it this International Women's Day to champion and be a voice for women and girls.
This year organisers of International Women’s Day are calling for the world to #EmbraceEquality and so supporting a charity that supports women is a fantastic way to get involved.
Fundraise for a female-focused charity through your business sales.
Your business could donate 10% of your sales on International Women's Day to a charity supporting girls to have better opportunities. Or how about fundraising during Women's History Month for a charity supporting women impacted by domestic abuse. Or could your business launch an ongoing sales fundraising campaign in aid of a female-focused charity, donating a percentage of your sales every quarter during 2023?
Supporting a charity will help to make a meaningful change and shows your business is taking action to #EmbraceEquality.
