With International Women’s Day right around the corner, we offer some tips to help job seekers who are interested in working for organisations that support true gender equity identify these workplaces.

International Women's Day recognises the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for gender equality and the empowerment of women globally.

Having come a long way towards gender equality, this year’s International Women’s Day focuses on embracing equity. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings and implications.

Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities, whereas equity recognises that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.

Equity can be defined as giving everyone what they need to be successful. In other words, it's not giving everyone the exact same thing. If we give everyone the same thing, expecting that will make people equal, it assumes that everyone started out in the same place - and this can be vastly inaccurate. Equity is a process for addressing imbalanced social systems and processes.

If you are a job seeker interested in working for organisations that support gender equity, there are several factors you should consider. Here are some tips to help you find organisations that align with your values:

Research the company's values and culture: Before applying for a job, research the company's values and culture to determine if they align with your values. Many companies have diversity and inclusion statements on their websites, which can give you a sense of their commitment to gender equity.

Look for organisations with diversity and inclusion programs: Organisations that have diversity and inclusion programs are more likely to promote gender equity in the workplace. Such programs can include mentorship and leadership development opportunities for women and underrepresented groups.

Check the organisation's track record: Look for organisations that have a proven track record of supporting gender equity. You can research their history, read reviews from former employees, or check their ranking on gender equity indices such as the Global Gender Gap Report.

Consider the leadership team: The diversity of a company's leadership team can be an indicator of their commitment to gender equity. Look for organisations with women in leadership positions, especially in executive roles.

Check for flexible work policies: Many women struggle to balance work and family responsibilities. Look for organisations with flexible work policies such as remote work or flexible hours that can help employees manage their work-life balance.

In addition to looking for organisations that support gender equity, you can also take steps to promote gender equity in your own career. This might include advocating for equal pay and fair treatment, seeking out mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance and support, and speaking out against gender bias and discrimination.

Help forge positive change for women this International Women’s Day. By working together to promote gender equity and equality, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.