International Women's Day
International Women's Day falls on March 8 2018. This year's theme is #pressforprogress and we're all invited to commit to one of the following areas:
- maintain a gender parity mindset
- challenge stereotypes and bias
- forge positive visibility of women
- influence others' beliefs/actions
- celebrate women's achievements
Under influence others' beliefs/actions it says to be a role model for equality. I would like to celebrate a lady who has been a role model for an often forgotten group of women. Jody Day founded Gateway Women, a global friendship and support network for childless women, whether they be childless by choice or circumstance.
In her 2017 TEDx Talk, The Lost Tribe of Childless Women, Jody highlights that 1 in 5 women in the UK over 45 don't have children. Around 80-90% of childless women are not by choice. This number is a lot bigger than people realise and as Jody says this is the 'biggest diversity issue HR hasn't heard of'. While most HR departments embrace diversity and promote LGBT rights, parental leave and flexible working, childless women are often forgotten. Take for example cover over Christmas break or work travel. The expectation would be for childless women to work without objection, even though they may have other family commitments, while parents are often excused due to their famiy needs.
So this year, on International Women's Day and always, let's take the time to be kind to each other and be mindful that not all struggles can be seen from the outside.
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