Tuesday, 8 March 2023 marks International Women’s Day (IWD), and this year’s theme, #EmbraceEquity, sets a challenge: to imagine a gender equal world, a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality.

International Women's Day is a global observance celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political contributions and achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. IWD has been observed for more than a century, with the first IWD gathering occurring in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Growing out of the labour movement, it became an annual event after 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote.

#EmbraceEquity

 

Equity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have.

A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society's DNA.

And it's critical to understand the difference between equity and equality.

The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. 

To assist you with the challenge of #EmbracingEquity, IWD has a number of missions. Celebrating women's achievements and increasing visibility, while calling out inequality, is key:

 

·      To elevate women forging change via technology and sustainability in communities, workplaces and beyond

·      To celebrate the work of women creatives and elevate visibility for commercial projects and commissions

·      To forge inclusive work cultures where women's careers thrive and their achievements are celebrated

·      To elevate and advance gender parity in technology and celebrate the women forging innovation

·      To shine a spotlight on activity uplifting and inspiring women to pursue goals without bias or barrier

·      To assist women to be in a position of power to make informed decisions about their health

·      To celebrate women athletes and applaud when equality is achieved in pay, sponsorship and visibility

 

On IWD we are encouraged to:

 

·      Don't just say it. Think it. Be it. Do it. Value it. Truly embrace it. Embrace equity in all its forms.

·      Share the passion and excitement that comes from valuing and supporting difference.

·      Reflect on how we can all be part of the solution, not the problem.

·      Encourage and rally your friends, family, colleagues, and community to #EmbraceEquity.

Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)

In 2020, 2021 and 2022, we outlined the WEPs, which were established by the UN Women and the UN Global Compact Office. WEPs can be used as a tool to help guide organisations on how to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community. We believe it is timely to revisit these highly recommended principles and actions that organisations can take to demonstrate their commitment to gender equality:

Principle 1 – Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality

Support for this principle could be demonstrated by establishing organisational goals and targets. Consideration could also be given to including goals and targets in performance plans for managers of an organisation.

Principle 2 – Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and non-discrimination

Actions could include offering flexible working arrangements and leave. Reviewing policies and practices to ensure they are inclusive could also foster an inclusive workplace culture.

Principle 3 – Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers

A zero-tolerance policy against all forms of violence and harassment at work could be used to demonstrate support for this principle. Further, organisations could also acknowledge the right for all staff to have time off for medical care and counselling for themselves and their dependents.

Principle 4 – Promote education, training and professional development for women

Organisations could demonstrate support for this principle by ensuring equal access to and participation in internal education and training programs. Training offerings about sexual harassment and unconscious bias could also be considered.

Principle 5 – Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women

In support of this principle, organisations could leverage their procurement activities to ensure that their suppliers adopt policies and practices that support equality and are consistent with the WEPs.

Principle 6 – Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy

The promotion and recognition of women’s leadership and contribution by ensuring their active participation in consultation processes, is a suggested action for support of this principle.

Principle 7 – Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality

This principle could be supported by organisations benchmarking their achievements by collecting, analysing and using gender statistics to measure and report improvements over time.

At CourtHeath we are heartened that International Women’s Day has evolved to become more than just a day. We are a proud and public supporter of the WEPs since 2018 and a participant in the UN Global Compact.

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For more information about IWD 2023, visit International Women’s Day 2023.

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A participant in the UN Global Compact, CourtHeath seeks to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of the Global Compact with business and government organisations in Victoria.

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Image: IWD

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