Accelerate Action for Gender Equality: A Call to Women Leaders

Eleanor, Chair of Rise, the Teamspirit women & gender affinity network: As we approach International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 on March 8, it's a pivotal moment for women leaders to step forward in solidarity and help #AccelerateAction for gender equality. The current rate of progress suggests that it will take until 2158—roughly five generations from now—to achieve full gender parity, according to the World Economic Forum. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for action.

Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasises the importance of taking immediate steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres. Here are seven ways that our team of leaders are already contributing to the cause:

1. Sandy Downs - Senior Account Director and Head of DE&I: Advocate for Policy Changes

With the global winds of change blowing against DE&I, now is the time for women leaders to step up and use their platforms to advocate for policies that promote gender equality. This includes pushing for equal pay, parental leave, and anti-discrimination laws. It means ensuring their businesses are tracking and reporting on gender pay gaps, ethnicity pay gaps, and disability pay gaps. By influencing policy, we can create a more equitable environment for all women at a structural level, which can’t change with a political gust.

2. Montserrat Tojeiro - Managing Director: Mentorship and Sponsorship

Mentorship and sponsorship are crucial in helping women advance in their careers. Women leaders can mentor young women, providing guidance and support as they navigate their professional journeys. Sponsorship, on the other hand, involves actively promoting and advocating for women in the workplace, helping them secure opportunities for advancement.

3. Sam Turner - Head of Client Services: Promote Inclusive Workplaces

Creating an inclusive workplace culture is essential for gender equality. Women leaders can champion diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. This includes implementing mentoring talent, training programs on unconscious bias and actively fostering an environment where women feel safe and supported.

4. Sarah Lewis - Social Strategy Director: Build a Positive Online Voice

The digital landscape is evolving, and women leaders have the opportunity - and responsibility - to be a force for good on socials and beyond. This includes being a visible voice for feminism, and also uplifting female voices.

5. Ursula Delaney - PR Director: Support Women's Education and Development

Investing in women's education and professional development is key to closing the gender gap. Women leaders can support initiatives that provide women with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. This includes scholarships, training programs, and networking opportunities.

6. Jo Preston - Group Board Director: Raise Awareness and Challenge Stereotypes

Raising awareness about gender inequality and challenging stereotypes is vital. Women leaders can use their influence to highlight the achievements of women and challenge the societal norms that hold women back. By changing the narrative, we can inspire the next generation of female leaders.

7. Fiona Couper - Chief Marketing Officer and ESG Lead: Collaborate and Build Alliances

Collaboration is crucial in the fight for gender equality. Women leaders can build alliances with other organizations, both within and outside their industries, to create a united front. By working together, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change.

Conclusion

The journey towards gender equality is long, but by accelerating action, we can speed up the rate of progress worldwide. As women leaders, we have the power and responsibility to drive this change. Let's step forward in solidarity this International Women's Day and commit to taking swift and decisive action to achieve gender equality. Together, we can create a more equitable future for all.