Actions not words

On why I’m not celebrating International Women’s Day.

This year, I’m not celebrating International Women’s Day.

Not because I’m not constantlyv amazed and inspired by brilliant women. I am. Every day.

But because the conversations I’ve been having recently remind me just how far we still have to go when it comes to equality, respect and support for women at work and beyond.

Earlier this year I attended an event hosted by the Young Women’s Trust. Their latest research paints a stark picture. More than half of young women say they’ve experienced discrimination at work, with levels rising in recent years. Many are also stuck in insecure work or worried about their ability to progress. Young women do not feel confident raising concerns at work for fear of repurcussions. For too many young women, the world of work still feels like it wasn’t designed with them in mind.

At the same time, work is underway across the PR and communications industry to bring some of these issues into the light. The Break the Silence Collective is opening up important conversations about pay, promotion, ageism and the way women are perceived and supported in communications roles. These are not easy conversations, but they are necessary ones.

And the challenges don’t stop as women progress through their careers. Research continues to show the real impact of menopause in the workplace, with almost a third of women considering leaving their jobs because of symptoms and lack of support.

I am lucky that I can choose to receive support with my perimenopause through the Mid Point for Women programme. Programmes like this help women to take back control and might just stop the workforce from losing talented, experienced and skilled women who have so much to offer.

So this year, instead of celebrating for just one day, I’m focusing on action.

I’m volunteering with Young Women’s Trust to give feedback on CVs and help young women at the start of their careers.

I’m mentoring women who want to take more control over what happens next in their careers.

And I’m championing the brilliant women around me in the ways they say will help them most. Collaboration over competition, always.

If you’re marking International Women’s Day this year, what’s one action you’re committing to that will genuinely make things better for women at work?