Five things you can do to support 2022 IWD by Aisha Singleton
I can’t remember when I first heard about International Women’s Day (March 8), but I know that as soon as I did, I would have embraced it wholeheartedly, as I’ve always been a self-proclaimed feminist. Believing that we can, and should, be equal to men, while recognising our differences.
When I began researching the theme for this year’s IWD, I discovered that the first gathering happened in 1911 and was supported by more than a million people. How can a movement that first occurred well over a century ago and achieved so much in many ways, have achieved so little?
According to Fawcett Society’s Sex & Power 2022 report:
- Less than 1/3 of the UK’s top jobs are filled by women. Across 5,166 positions of power in society, women make-up less than a third (32%), meaning 919 are missing from the top roles.
- The past two Westminster elections have seen scant progress, with the proportion of female MPs at 34% following the 2019 election.
- Women account for just 8% of FTSE 100 CEOs and there are no women of colour.
- The sporting sector not only has very few women in senior roles, but there has been a progressive decline in the number of female sport governing body chairs (15%) and CEOs (19%).
- Women account for just 34% of those serving on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and related subgroups advising cabinet on the coronavirus response.
Rather than feel despondent about the movement and in keeping with the 2022 theme of #BreakTheBias, here are my five recommendations for supporting IWD, and equality, all year round.
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- Research the facts
Doing your own research helps you feel more knowledgeable about a subject. Make sure you research reputable sources and understand the difference between facts and opinions. Social media has made this much trickier. - Speak about it
At home, at work, with your friends. Imagine a better future where women are equal to men. If you notice something that seems unfair, call it out. This doesn’t mean putting your job or relationships at risk, but being aware and sharing your awareness with others will help engender change. - Volunteer or donate
A great way to make a difference is to volunteer for or donate to a society or movement who are fighting for this important cause. - Champion women
This is one small thing (championing women) that men and women can both do to help. For example, if you’re a man, don’t speak over a woman during a meeting, or if you see another man doing it, please find a way to empower that woman. Women can also champion other women, and they definitely should. - Don’t. Give. Up.
The struggle is real, and it has been going on for a long time. Don’t lose hope, don’t get bored, don’t give up. Channel that frustration into always thinking about ways we can help the cause.
- Research the facts
As we area technical web development agency, I wanted to give a shout out to women in the tech world who offer inspiration:
Molly Holzschlag
The Fairy Godmother of the Web – Molly Holzschlag
@mholzschlag
Jess Simmons
Jen Simmons – who was previously Mozilla, and now with Apple
@jensimmons
Sarah Drasner
Sarah Drasner – who was previously Microsoft and Netlify, and is now Director of Engineering, Core Developer Web at Google)
@sarah_edo
Sara Soueidan
Sara Soueidan – a front-end developer and SVG expert
@SaraSoueidan
Amy Kilner
Amy Kilner – a freelance creative specialising in design / 3D / NFT art.
Exploring creative boundaries by infusing reality with the digital space.
@amykilnerdesign