PHOENIXUS’ Post

In case you weren't aware International Women's Day is just around the corner ... which typically is met by intense eye rolling by me as I read about all of the lunches, events and rah rah that large companies put on to celebrate women (yes, insert all the sarcasm intended). Let's face it, our approach to empowering women in entrepreneurship is painfully lacklustre, and it's costing us all. Big time. So yeah celebrate us, we deserve all the fanfare, but let's get real about it. Quite often it's all just smoke and mirrors. First off, let's burst the bubble of those who think gender equality in business is a done deal. Wakey wakey! The world remains a boys' club. Women are still underrepresented in leadership roles and face unequal pay. The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report consistently shows that no country has yet achieved full gender parity, especially in economic participation. The lack of women in top roles isn't just unfair, it's economically foolish. We’re essentially running a race while ignoring half of the best runners. And for those clinging to the tired stereotype that women don't have the entrepreneurial muscle – this is 2024, not the 1950s. Women-led ventures are smashing it, often outperforming those led by men. Dismissing women's business prowess isn’t just sexist; it's bad business. There are some traditionalists out there who believe that empowering women could ruin the traditional family structure. But guess what? Empowering women financially leads to healthier, more educated, and thriving families. It's not a zero-sum game where career success comes at the family's expense. That’s an outdated script that needs to be rewritten. Studies have shown that when women have economic power, they tend to invest more in their families' health, education, and well-being. This doesn’t weaken family structures; it strengthens them. And anyway, if women decide not to have children, that's their choice. How about the myth of meritocracy. If our systems were truly merit-based, why are women still so underrepresented? Remember, women are half of the population, give or take a %. We're not asking for handouts; we're demanding equal footing. Gender diversity isn’t a threat to meritocracy; it's the very essence of it. So, this International Women's Day, let's stop patting ourselves on the back for minor progress and face the hard facts. Empowering women in business isn't just a nice gesture for equality; it's a crucial strategy for not only local economic growth, but globally. We're not just missing out on 'fairness' – we're missing out on profit, innovation, and growth. Are you feeling uncomfortable? I hope so. It’s high time we all are. Because that discomfort is the first step towards real change. #internationalwomensday2024 #manawahine #womeninbusiness #womenentrepreneurs

💜 International Women’s Day – Inspire Inclusion 🎉 Happy International Women's Day to all women everywhere! International Women's Day is of immense significance and serves as a platform to remember the pivotal role that women play in society. This year's theme "Inspire Inclusion" highlights the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and calls for gender equality. The V4 countries have come a long way in terms of women's empowerment and inclusion. After the Second World War, women in socialist societies gained control over their lives. Since the 1950s, the rate of women's participation in the labor market in Eastern Europe has been much higher than in Western Europe and the USA. The post-1989 transformation brought new challenges for women to realize their professional ambitions. Throughout this time, many of the feminist waves from the US and the UK reached our shores – the idea of equal division of labor and pay, termination of domestic violence, taking control over our bodies and sexual rights, ending work discrimination, and shattering the “glass ceiling”. Although the importance of women's empowerment is widely acknowledged, interpretations of the concept vary widely. Our own internal analysis revealed a spectrum of perspectives on investing in women. These ranged from negative connotations to grand goals of educational opportunity, entrepreneurial endeavour, and personal well-being. Some interpretations reflected negative biases, while others brought more positive views that emphasized the importance of women's access to education, entrepreneurial opportunities, and ability to prioritize personal well-being. 🎇 International Women's Day is a potential call to action. Together, let´s embrace the spirit of "Inspire Inclusion" and dedicate us to promoting a society where all women can reach their full potential and make a significant contribution to a better society. 💜 What about YOU, how will YOU inspire inclusion? #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion 📷 by Anna Solcova from project of Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival

International Women's Day: Progress, Challenges, and the Pursuit of Equality The Day serves as a global reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the empowerment of women. While significant strides have been made in various aspects of women's rights, there remain persistent challenges, particularly in corporate leadership, pay equity, and societal perceptions. The roots of International Women's Day trace back to the early 20th century when women in North America and Europe began advocating for better working conditions, suffrage, and social rights. It was a time when women were systematically marginalized and excluded from decision-making roles in both public and private spheres. Only in recent history have women gained the right to vote and have their voices heard in governance and policymaking processes. Despite progress in women's rights, disparities persist, especially in corporate leadership. Research consistently shows that women are significantly underrepresented in top management positions worldwide. But… good news! According to a new report from The Conference Board and ESGAUGE - ESG Intelligence & Analytics the share of female directors in the S&P 500 increased from 23% in 2018 to 32% in 2023. Women continue to face unequal compensation for their work compared to their male counterparts. Numerous studies have documented the gender pay gap, with women earning less than men for the same or similar work. According to data from the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2021, on average, women globally earn just 63% of what men earn. Gender inequality persists globally, especially where women's rights aren't fully recognized. Legal and societal barriers restrict women's freedom and opportunities, like mobility and education. On International Women's Day, it's vital to recognize progress and challenges in achieving gender equality. Despite gains, systemic biases hinder women's participation, notably in corporate leadership. Addressing these issues demands action from governments, businesses, and civil society to promote gender equity and empower women worldwide. Look at these numbers! How important it is to have women on the team! Large UK firms whose executive boards are one-third female are 10! times more profitable on average than all-male boards, and the gap in performance is growing, according to gender diversity consultancy The Pipeline. So, If you're seeking a skilled and enthusiastic geoscientist, I would be thrilled to become a valuable member of your team. Happy International Women’s Day! 🌷

Empowering Women: Investing in Progress on International Women’s Day! Today marks International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide and to advocate for gender equality. This year’s theme, "Invest in Women, Accelerate the Progress," highlights the importance of empowering women in all aspects of life. Investing in Women: A Smart Choice for Progress 1. Economic Empowerment: Investing in women economically has a multiplier effect. When women are financially empowered, they invest back into their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of progress. 2. Leadership Opportunities:* By investing in women’s leadership development, we ensure diverse perspectives are heard, leading to better decision-making and innovation. 3. Education:Education is a powerful tool for empowerment. Supporting girls' education not only transforms their lives but also strengthens entire communities. Accelerating Progress Through Support: 1. Mentorship: Providing mentorship opportunities for women can help them navigate challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential. 2. Equal Opportunities: Creating a level playing field for women in the workplace ensures that talent is recognized and nurtured regardless of gender. 3. Work-Life Balance: Supporting policies that promote work-life balance benefits both men and women and leads to a more engaged and productive workforce. Inspiring Change: 1. Celebrating Achievements:Take the time today to celebrate the achievements of the women in your life and in your community. Acknowledge their contributions and support their goals. 2. Amplifying Voices:Use your platform to amplify the voices of women, especially those from marginalized communities, and advocate for their rights. 3. Taking Action: Remember, change starts with individual actions. Whether it's supporting women-owned businesses, advocating for gender equality, or mentoring a young woman, every action counts. On this International Women’s Day, let’s commit to investing in women and accelerating progress towards a more inclusive and equitable world. Empowered women empower others, and together, we can create a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive. Happy International Women’s Day! #InvestinWomenAcceleratetheProgress

Happy International Women’s Day – Inspire Inclusion. By Lorraine Mavunga Regardless of efforts made in calling for gender equality and gender equity in recent years, women continue to face significant barriers in many areas, including the workplace, education, and politics. This not only has negative effects on women themselves but also on their families and communities. Thus, women's inclusion is a key component of achieving equity, which saw the United Nations dubbing International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 campaign theme - Inspire Inclusion. The UN Women further states that when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. The notion of equity has become progressively more imperative in recent years, as we recognize that an unprejudiced and sustainable world requires more than just equality. The UN Women states that equity involves ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. This takes account of addressing historical and systemic barriers that have inexplicably impacted certain groups, such as women. Thus, in 2024 IWD theme, a call is made to ensure that women are included in social, economic, political and most importantly in decision-making processes at all levels, from the local to the global arena. This increases their autonomy and improves the valuation of female work, contributing to provide power to women within the family, increase their self-esteem as well as their sense of citizenship. It should be noted that women's voices and perceptions are crucial for creating policies and programs that are effective and sustainable. Gender equity is also an invaluable driver of economic growth. Women inclusion brings about gender equality which correlates with macroeconomic and financial stability which stimulates economic growth, boost private and public sector performance, and reduce income inequality. An analysis by UN Women which is supported by considerable microeconomic evidence shows that women and men bring different skills and perspectives to the workplace, including different attitudes to risk and collaboration, therefore, this gender diversity improves the financial performance of firms thereby impacting positively on the country’s economy. In conclusion, achieving equity and women's inclusion is critical for developing healthier communities. Achieving equality calls for a comprehensive approach to address the systemic barriers that have prevented women from fully participating in all areas of society starting from the grassroots. So let’s all strive for a world that is equal, peaceful and where everyone’s voice counts.

Reflections on the 2024 International Women's Day - "Inspire Inclusion" The International Women's Day is the day of collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity. The IWD website quotes Gloria Steinem- "the story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, not to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” It is well said and many would agree with her but it is paradoxically difficult to spread this sense of collective. While it certainly is not what the IWD website espouses, the IWD can come across as a day to celebrate publicly recognisable success. We are impressed by those whose names and faces that fill the media as they have succeeded despite many obstacles. They are exceptional people. But there are many others who don't get across the threshold of recognizable success. For some, their challenges are insurmountable in their generation. Our successes owe a lot to other people who came before us or around us whose contributions are less visible. It is important that we don't inadvertently alienate people in the act of inclusion. It is common to feel a sense of alienation, as evidenced by increasing anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorder, and suicide mortality, among others. Each of us plays a role in the dynamic of inclusion and exclusion. What do communities, organizations, groups, work teams, etc., need to do to be a place where everyone feels they belong? On this International Women's Day, I will be reflecting on alienation and belonging. https://lnkd.in/ggs4KgjM