This International Women’s Day 2022, the campaign theme is #BreakTheBias. In the dictionary, bias is defined as “inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair”. We as individuals are responsible for our own actions and thoughts, all day and everyday. Everyone has bias whether it is deliberate or unconscious and can make things difficult for women to level the playing field. This includes gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping. Bias is in our communities, our workplaces, schools, colleges and universities. We can break the bias by standing up for others and calling it out each time we see it. Nobody should have to miss out on moments due to bias. We all deserve equal opportunities and we are better together when we are diverse, equitable and inclusive. We need to celebrate each other’s differences and show value in change.
Studies show that over 86% of companies are committed to gender equality. This commitment to equality quite often comes from senior leaders, management and male employees. Driving this commitment, it is important to have female role models in senior positions. This helps women in business draw inspiration from these role models. Seeing women achieve impressive careers with success, often in industries with low female representation, shows the next generation of women what they can achieve by taking control of their professional success. Women are powerhouses when given the right opportunities. Statistics show that women are more likely to proactively request new challenges throughout their career and ask for pay rises. We have also seen a rise in women-owned businesses and working mothers. It’s also reported that women are generally happier at work than men are.
Workplace culture is generally a big defining factor in workplaces. They are thankfully becoming more diverse and inclusive thanks to company-wide initiatives and strategies that benefit employees by providing equal opportunities to grow personally and professionally in their career. A diverse workplace is self-reinforced when women and minority groups feel welcomed in a workplace. This means the workplace attracts further candidates from diverse backgrounds who can make their own contributions to the company that are unique and value-adding. Equality benefits everyone including the company themselves. Studies show that gender diversity leads to more productive companies. This increases innovation, ideas and creativity within a company and helps diverse teams connect with clients and customers better. Flexible working arrangements also help add to the benefits. This could be offering a candidate remote working from home/coworking space or flexibility between working in the office and working remotely.
Satisfied employees are more productive and more likely to stay with a company for longer. They are also more likely to recommend it to others as a great place of work which creates a positive cycle for all. We challenge you to look at how you can #BreakTheBias in your life and help others and yourself get equal opportunities we all deserve.