International Women's Day

This International Women’s Day feels particularly special, especially with the theme of Accelerating Action. The alarming statistic being shared by IWD is that “It will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity.”

Five generations.

As someone who is currently pregnant, the thought that my daughter or son (we’ll find out next week, eek!) will also go through life in an unequal world is difficult to accept.

This year is also significant because it’s the first time Alex and I will be running our business as more than a duo. We are fortunate to have three fantastic women on our team, so ensuring not only gender parity but also actively working to accelerate opportunities for them is incredibly important.

In my career, I’ve been lucky to work for companies where equality was a priority, and pay and parity were openly discussed. However, as a coach, friend, and mentor, I know this isn’t always the norm.

Too many women remain stuck in junior roles while their male counterparts are promoted above them, despite being just as, if not more, qualified. This is not a reflection of women's skills or dedication but rather a result of ingrained norms that discourage self-advocacy in professional settings. 

How Can We Accelerate Action?

While systemic change is necessary, we can take immediate action by addressing limiting beliefs many of us (including myself) have internalised.

Three common beliefs that hold women back:

• My employer decides how much I am worth.

• It’s rude to ask for more.

• Women are good at spending money, not making it.

The reality is that men ask for higher salaries and promotions more often than women do. While it would be ideal for women’s contributions to be automatically recognised, self-advocacy is essential.

Teaching women to negotiate their salaries from the start and throughout their careers is key to accelerating change.

Growing up as a ‘good girl,’ I believed politeness was power - until I realised it wasn’t. Women must understand that asking for more isn’t greedy or rude; it’s about recognising their worth.

By retirement, women’s pension pots are, on average, half the size of men’s.

Half.

This means less financial freedom, fewer opportunities, and a reduced ability to support themselves and their families. Encouraging women to engage with financial planning and wealth-building is another way we can accelerate action.

What we’re doing to Accelerate Action

If we want to close the gender gap faster than 2158, we must take meaningful steps today:

• Empower women with the skills and confidence to negotiate their salaries.

• Provide financial and investment education to break down harmful myths about women and money.

• Support businesses in implementing transparent pay structures and promotion criteria.

Change starts with awareness, but progress happens when we take action. Let’s commit to accelerating that action, today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Written by

Flo Parker