International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
In our Career Moves series we share advice and tips to help you achieve your career aspirations.
A study by LeanIn.org shows that where women work makes all the difference! Yet women can often find themselves working for an employer that doesn’t overtly value their contributions.
More employers are realizing the value of an inclusive work culture, excellent benefits, development opportunities, flexible work practices and rewarding career opportunities.
Choosing the right employer can significantly help a woman's career and improve her overall wellbeing.
Ask About…
When interviewing for a new job ask about workplace policies, practices and support. What development opportunities and flex work practices do you offer to help women thrive in your workplace?
The more these types of questions are normalized the more companies will respond in kind.
Do your homework.
Actively research employers before applying for your next job.
Connect with women who already work for the organization you are applying to get a reliable and trusted sense of what women say. Ask about workplace policies, practices and support.
Make the right decision via reliable and insightful information.
Here’s a few ideas for activities to help you forge an inclusive workplace where women’s careers thrive and their achievements are celebrated:
· Holding or promoting an event to celebrate the achievements of women on your team.
· Launching a program such as an Employee Resource Group (ERG)
· Invite an inspirational speaker to talk about their life/career journey
· Fundraise for a female focused non-profit such as Dress For Success
· Download IWD Zoom backgrounds or create and share your own
Are you keen to work for an organization that values women? Check out this list of employers that meet the IWD prime employer criteria and are recruiting now.
Prime employers are organizations that:
Demonstrate executive leadership commitment to gender equality
Embrace a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion
Forge a female hiring pipeline from early career to executive level
Value and support flexible working arrangements
Provide formal avenues to address any concerns of bias
Ensure women's inclusion from supply chain through to decision making
Ensure marketing and communications are consistently free of stereotyping
Provide external support for women's advancement
Monitor progress and outcomes from diversity initiatives
You’re worth it!
This article is part of our Career Moves series; advice and guidance to help you achieve your career aspirations.
Arche helps people architect, navigate and advance their career path with expert advice and tools to support your job search, interview preparation, professional branding, salary negotiations, and career advancement.
Live Your Dream - Subscribe to our blog for lots of great news, elearning and events to help you fulfill your career aspirations!
Comments