International Women’s Day: HR practices that ensure gender equity

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day that commemorates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women on 8th March, each year. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The world observed IWD since the early 1900s – merely a hundred years from now. It was a time when women’s rights were severely limited and their contributions to society went unrecognised. As we express gratitude to the brave women and men who made great progress in spearheading gender equity since t\hen, we also take the time to recognise the gender inequality that persists in many parts of the world today. 

In Asia, where traditional values and patriarchy still hold sway in many societies, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to not just celebrate the progress that has been made towards gender equity, but also reaffirm our commitment to achieving it. 

What is the role of International Women’s Day in businesses in Asia?

The gender pay gap in Asia is an important issue for business executives to routinely consider on International Women’s Day. In many Asian countries, women earn significantly less than men for doing the same job. This wage disparity can have a major impact on a woman’s ability to support herself and her family.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the gender pay gap in Asia. One is that women are often expected to take on lower-paying jobs than men. They are also less likely to be promoted into management positions. Additionally, women often face discrimination when it comes to wages, particularly in countries where traditional gender roles are still prevalent.

The gender pay gap in Asia has serious implications for businesses. For one, it can lead to talent shortages as talented women leave organisations where they are not being paid fairly. Additionally, it can create an unbalanced workplace where men dominate leadership positions. This can make it difficult for businesses to create an inclusive environment that values diversity.

Businesses need to be aware of the gender pay gap in Asia and take steps to close it. This includes ensuring that women are given equal opportunities for advancement and fair compensation for their work. Additionally, businesses should create policies and practices that promote inclusion and respect for all employees.

So, how can businesses support gender equity on International Women’s Day?

While great strides have been made in recent years to close the gender gap in many Asian countries, much work still needs to be done. Women make up over half of the world’s population but they only hold 26 percent of all managerial positions globally and just 24% of seats in parliaments worldwide. In Asia, the figure is even lower at 20 percent. There are a few ways businesses can consider supporting gender equity.

International Women’s Day: 5 HR practices that ensure gender equity

1) Review job descriptions and salary bands regularly to ensure that there is no gender bias.

This might be common sense for a lot of us, but it is worth emphasising that it is important for HR professionals to review job descriptions and salary bands on a regular basis to ensure that there is no gender bias. By doing so, they can identify any potential areas of discrimination and take steps to address them. Additionally, this practice helps ensure all employees are paid fairly for their work.

2) Evaluate candidates for promotions based on their qualifications and performance, rather than their gender.

When it comes to promotions, HR should ensure that they evaluate candidates based on their qualifications and performance, rather than their gender. This will help to create a more level playing field and ensure that the most qualified individuals are promoted. Additionally, this practice can help to foster a more positive work environment by promoting equality and fairness.

3) Ensure that all employees have access to the same training and development opportunities.

Organisations should ensure that all employees have access to the same opportunities for training and development, regardless of their gender. This will help to ensure that everyone has the same chance to progress in their career and reach their full potential.

Organisations should keep track of the training and development opportunities available to employees. They should also make sure that they communicate the aforementioned opportunities equally to all staff members. They should also monitor who is taking up these opportunities, and identify any patterns of inequality that may be emerging. If there are any disparities, companies should take action to address them.

By ensuring that all employees have access to the same training and development opportunities, organisations can create a level playing field where everyone has an equal chance to succeed. This is an important step towards promoting gender equity within the workplace.

4) Provide flexible working arrangements to allow both men and women to better balance their work and personal commitments.

Flexible working arrangements allow both men and women to better balance their work and personal commitments, and provide a level playing field for employees of all genders.

You can implement a number of different types of flexible working arrangements, such as:

• Flexible hours: This type of arrangement allows employees to choose when they start and finish work, within certain limits. This can be helpful for parents who need to drop off or pick up their children from school, or for anyone who has other time-sensitive commitments.
• Remote working: Also known as telecommuting, this type of arrangement allows employees to work from home, or from another location outside of the office. This can be especially helpful for employees who live far away from the office, or who have childcare responsibilities.
• Part-time work: This type of arrangement allows employees to work fewer hours than a full-time employee. This can be helpful for employees who want to reduce their workload, or who have other commitments that take up a significant amount of time.
• Flexible working arrangements are just one way that employers can ensure gender equity in the workplace. Other practices include offering paternity and maternity leave, providing affordable child care options, and implementing anti-discrimination policies.

To learn more about work flexibility, check out this informative explainer video by APA Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program.

5) Promote a culture of respect and inclusion in the workplace, where all employees feel valued regardless of their gender identity or expression.

A culture of respect and inclusion in the workplace is one where all employees feel valued regardless of their gender identity or expression. Companies can achieve this through a number of HR practices, such as:

• Providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender.
• Ensuring that job descriptions and person specifications do not include any gender-based requirements or preferences.
• Making flexible working arrangements available to all employees, irrespective of their gender identity or expression.
• Ensuring all forms of discrimination and harassment are prohibited and dealt with swiftly and effectively, if they do occur.

By creating and maintaining a culture of respect and inclusion in the workplace, businesses can ensure that all employees feel valued and respected, fostering a more productive and positive working environment for everyone.

Talenox advocates a culture of well-being and meritocracy – regardless of gender, race, religion and identity.

At Talenox, we commit to maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. We offer flexible working arrangements, which helps to accommodate employees’ personal and/or family commitments. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is also evident in our parental leave policies and health & wellness benefits that support our employees in all aspects of their lives. We also provide training and development opportunities to help our team members reach their full potential. In addition to these policies, we regularly review our practices and procedures to make sure that they are fair and equitable for all. On Women’s International Day, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive!

Want to wish someone Happy International Women’s Day in your chat groups and social media channels?

We’ve got just the GIF for you! You can download the file by clicking the ‘Download’ button below.

And here are some examples of greetings you can use to accompany the GIF for International Women’s Day:

1. Happy International Women’s Day! Today we celebrate the incredible achievements of women everywhere and pledge to continue working towards a more equal future.
2. Here’s to strong women: may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them. Happy International Women’s Day!
3. Wishing all the amazing women out there a very Happy International Women’s Day! Keep fighting for your dreams and never stop believing in yourself.
4. Happy International Women’s Day to all the trailblazing women who have come before us, and to all the girls who will one day change the world.
5. Today we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world. Happy International Women’s Day!
6. On this International Women’s Day, we honor the courage and resilience of women everywhere, and commit ourselves to building a better, more equitable future for all.
7. Happy International Women’s Day to all the women who inspire us to be our best selves, who challenge us to think differently, and who remind us of the power of community and solidarity.
8. Today we celebrate the extraordinary women who have changed the course of history, and all those who continue to make the world a better place. Happy International Women’s Day!
9. To all the women who have broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams: Happy International Women’s Day! We are in awe of your strength and determination.
10. Happy International Women’s Day to all the women who have dared to dream big, who have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals, and who have inspired us with their vision and passion.