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This list was compiled to celebrate International Women ’ s Day ( Friday 8th March 2024 ), a global day which recognises the social , economic , cultural , and political achievements of women . The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women ’ s equality .
IWD has occurred for well over a century , with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people . Today , it belongs to all groups collectively everywhere . Each year there is a theme and this year the theme is Inspire Inclusion . The theme ’ s aim is to raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity .
As a new mum to a baby girl , I feel even more passionate about this subject this year .
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Compared to elsewhere in the world , the UK has made great strides for gender parity but we ’ re still not there and we must continually strive for better .
Here are some key statistics which show where improvements need to be made .
Median pay gap
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• 14.3 % less for women than for men Source : Office for National Statistics , April 2023
Impact of maternity leave on career progression
According to Raconteur ’ s ‘ Careers After Babies ’ report :
• The number of women in entry-level roles was 44 % higher after having children
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• The study indicates that it is taking more than a decade on average for women to return to their pre-maternity salaries and status levels . Source : www . raconteur . net / talentculture / mothers-return-work-maternityleave
Impact of menopause on career progression
• 90 % of workplaces have no formal support for women experiencing menopause
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• 94 % of menopausal women have experienced menopause symptoms while at work Source : www . forthwithlife . co . uk Article - UK Menopause Statistics 2023 : Attitudes to Menopause a Work |
I ’ m passionate about using The Business Exchange as a vehicle for positive change and hope that by raising awareness of these issues , together we can achieve parity and a more inclusive world .
I believe that we must inspire and support the next generation with their ambitions and uplift other women who perhaps struggle with confidence issues or have been marginalised .
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