IWD 2025: More action, less show: The need for real change in policies, mindset and environment
International Women's Day 2025 is being celebrated against a bleak background of an intentional obliteration of DE&I progress in the USA. Women are a deliberate group of those adversely impacted. It is incredible that this is happening in our time, in 2025.
I am a glass half-full person who truly believes in all tenants of diversity, equality/ equity and inclusion. It pains me to see the carnage in the USA and the very real repercussions. I guess the silver lining is that these events serve as a stark reminder of what happens when we make DE&I performative or label it "woke" without understanding the real, true value it brings to our society, our industries and our worlds at large.
So let us heed the warnings and wake up to the importance of having policies, systems and networks that support women, amongst others who aren't dealt the same cards as the majority. We need women, they are 50% of the workforce.
We bring different perspectives and understanding that adds value to business strategies. Women are the ones who make big purchase decisions in the family. We are your consumers. We are your stakeholders and shareholders. Ignoring us is bad for business.
Ignoring us is especially bad for the increasingly crucial technology ecosystem around the world. Diverse teams, with equal representation of women, enhance decision-making, problem-solving, and product development. Excluding women means forfeiting invaluable talent and diverse perspectives, which are increasingly essential as technology becomes more deeply ingrained in our lives.
Bringing women into companies, boards and into workplaces is more than performative. It is not about increasing visibility or being seen as "good". While there has been some progress in moving towards actual fundamental shifts in understanding and actioning efforts to truly being gender blind, a lot more can be done.
Most importantly, there must be a greater mindset change across the board, across countries and industries. This includes understanding that real change goes beyond simply increasing visibility. Real change should extend to acceptance of female colleagues at every level. It extends to providing an equal and fair path for career growth and development. It extends to giving women a seat at the table because they deserve it, not just to make a company look good.
Here are 3 ways in which we can be part of the change,
- Talk to women about what they need, and how the organisation and executives can support them
- Speak up when you witness or are involved in discrimination, consciously or unconsciously
- Challenge stereotypes as well as outdated norms that hinder and hold back real progress and development of women at the workplace
There are real and proven benefits to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workforce. Companies and leaders need to realise this, and truly commit to making this a genuine reality. A reality where we empower women as equally as men, without discriminating against their sex or the very many other factors of bias. A reality where women are afforded access to learning, development, growth, success and fair pay regardless!
I have been lucky to have worked with some inspiring female bosses who have shown me the power of empowered women. I have also worked with male bosses who have empowered me to be myself. I know it can be done and I hope this International Women's Day we can indeed accelerate action for all women and girls through rights, equality and empowerment.
