As you know, each year on 8th of March, International Women’s Day is marked around the world.
For a brief history lesson, the origins of International Women’s Day go back to 1908 when 15,000 women took to the streets of New York to protest for shorter hours, better pay, better (or just some) working conditions, and importantly, for voting rights. Given females make up 50% of the population, it still boggles my mind that half of the human race have only had some of the same privileges for 100 years. The fight to get to equal rights, equality and empowerment has been, as we know, not linear…
Why is this important?
Equal rights and equality have come a long way. However, we’re still not there! In the context of Opus, and the regions that we all operate in… some interesting facts for you:
- Australia: the size of Australia’s gender pay gap is 13.3%; larger than many developed nations’.
- UK: In England and Wales alone, two women are killed every week by a current or former partner.
- Netherlands: widely recognised as a global leader in gender equality, the Netherlands rank 3rd in the EU on the Gender Equality Index.
- Spain: celebrations, demonstrations and protests are widely held across all of Spain on 8th March each year, but particularly in the city of Barcelona. Many workplaces offer both men and women the day off to take part. Traditionally flowers are handed out as a symbol of appreciation and recognition.
- USA: American women earn less than men in every single industry, and even though women make up just under 50% of the workforce, they comprise just 27% of the top 10% of earners.
For me, and hopefully for many of you, International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to remind myself of where we are on the timeline of women’s advancement, and sense check that I am playing my part.
For me, and hopefully for many of you, International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to remind myself of where we are on the timeline of women’s advancement, and sense check that I am playing my part.
In line with the 2025 International Women’s Day theme of ‘Accelerate Action’ Eva Perkins and I are delighted to host the 1st in a series of Opus Women in Sales virtual round tables. Look out for an invitation. Accelerating Action often just starts with a conversation, allyship and knowledge – sharing, so that’s what we’d like to do.
‘But what about the men’?
In my opinion (and feel free to disagree), anyone who doesn’t champion the importance of men in the fight for equal rights and equality is missing the point.
I have 3 brothers, a father, many male friends, and have worked for 20+ years in the Recruitment, Sales, and Technology sectors: all heavily male dominated industries. At Opus, I get the opportunity to work with many fantastic male ally’s and role models who support me, champion me, challenge me, celebrate my achievements and empower me to do better every day.
Make a pledge. Download the IWD Pledge Cards – one might strike a chord! We’d love to know which one you choose!