Unlocking the full potential of women in the economy

This is a powerful message from Anne Hathaway UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador who urges leaders of the business community worldwide to put women at the heart of economic growth. 

She explains that governments, businesses and civil society can play a role in prioritising women for the good of all and proposes these practical and immediate actions for businesses: 

(i) to ask governments to support care services, 

(ii) to pay the taxes that fund them, and 

(iii) to prioritise the creation of family-friendly workplaces which include flexible working hours and paid parental leave.

It’s great to see that gender equality is on the global agenda with practical steps that can be put in place to ‘prioritise women for the good of all’. 

My colleagues, Tania Rahmany and Isabella Lombard, have recently shared their insights on more practical ideas to further gender parity.

I would like to add the following suggestions to workplaces interested in promoting equality:

1. Extend your shortlist of candidates when recruiting

2. Create a fair and equal company culture 

3. Challenge traditional gender stereotypes, discrimination and bias (even your own!)

4. Remove barriers to progression

5. Listen to common themes arising from exit interviews

If you would like to discuss gender equality in the workplace, please do reach out for a chat!

For more insights from our legal experts, please subscribe here.