Accelerate Action: How We Can Turn Ideas into Impact

International Women’s Day is a time for us all to reflect, celebrate, and push for progress. This year’s theme #AccelerateAction is about taking bold steps forward for gender equality and female empowerment. So, how can we make a real difference?

Here are some actionable steps that we can take individually, within communities, and in workplaces to truly accelerate action:

1. Support Women-Owned Businesses

• Seek out and support female entrepreneurs and business owners. Buy their products, recommend their services, and amplify their stories on social media by commenting and sharing.
• Initiatives like the Enterprise Vision Awards, networks like Pink Link and the WIB360 platform are already championing women in business. Join or support these and similar platforms to empower more women.

2. Advocate for Policy Changes

• Reach out to your local MP – many don’t know what you are doing. Tell them about your business, share your successes and the challenges you face.
• Speak up for policies that make life easier for women – like equal pay, flexible working, and affordable childcare.
• Let’s get more women into decision-making roles. Push for representation in leadership and on boards.

As of 2022, women held nearly 40% of FTSE 100 board positions, a significant rise from 12.5% a decade earlier. Gov.uk

3. Mentorship

• Become a mentor and share your knowledge and experience, especially those underprivileged, starting their careers or returning to work after a break. Check out the WIB360 Mentor Programme and see how you can get involved.

4. Educate and Challenge Biases

• Help amplify the reach of initiatives by attending events that address unconscious bias and stereotypes and which empower women with skills, visibility, and authentic connections.
• Speak out against unfair practices or comments. Change starts with those everyday moments.

5. Celebrate Women’s Achievements

• Use platforms like social media, events, and publications to highlight the accomplishments of women in all sectors.
• Nominate deserving women for awards to ensure their contributions are acknowledged.

6. Foster Inclusive Workplaces

• Encourage fair hiring practices and make it a point to advocate for regular pay audits at your workplace to ensure everyone is being treated and compensated fairly.
• Support parental leave policies so both parents can share responsibilities at home.

7. Encourage Young Girls to Dream Big

• Get involved with schools and youth programmes to inspire the next generation of female leaders, especially in STEM, business, and leadership roles – let’s raise the aspirations of young women.
• Provide resources and opportunities for girls to explore their interests and talents.

8. Collaborate for Greater Impact

• Partner with organisations, community groups, and networks networks that are already doing amazing work to promote gender equality.
• By working together, you can create campaigns, events, and initiatives that reach more people and make an even greater difference!

A Shared Responsibility

Creating change isn’t just up to women – it’s something we all need to take part in, no matter our gender. Allies are essential in driving the progress needed to build a fairer, more equal society.

This International Women’s Day, let’s go beyond the talk and take the lead. Join us at our action packed 2025 International Women’s Day event on Friday 7 March at Leighton Hall – we’ll be heading over to Lakeside Hotel and Spa for an intimate dinner. Together, with bold and united action, we can make equality more than just a goal – it can become our reality. Let’s step up and accelerate change, side by side!