International Women’s Day: A Moment of Recognition
“International Women’s Day is both a moment of recognition and a reminder of shared responsibility,” stated a representative from FORVIA, emphasizing the dual nature of this significant day. Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women’s Day honors the achievements of women worldwide while also highlighting the ongoing fight for gender equality.
The roots of Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, a period marked by women campaigning for better working conditions, voting rights, and equal pay. The first National Women’s Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28, 1909, and the concept of an international day was proposed by German women’s rights activist Clara Zetkin in 1910. The first official International Women’s Day took place in 1911, and since 1975, it has been sponsored by the United Nations.
Current Landscape of Gender Equality
As we approach International Women’s Day 2026, the theme is #GiveToGain, focusing on driving gender equality through collective action. This year, organizations are encouraged to engage in meaningful conversations and actions that extend beyond a single day of celebration. Judit Mora, a spokesperson for gender equality initiatives, remarked, “We approach IWD as a prompt for action and conversation rather than a one-day celebration.”
Despite progress, challenges remain. In 2024, only 14% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK were female-led, a decrease of 1% from the previous year. Additionally, the median gender pay gap for full-time employees in the UK stood at 6.9% in 2025. These statistics underscore the need for continued advocacy and support for women in the workforce.
Corporate Initiatives and Support
FORVIA has made strides in promoting gender equality within its ranks, with women representing more than 28% of the Top 300 in 2025, an increase from 13% in 2018. The company aims to reach 30% women in the Top 300 and 35% among managers and skilled professionals by 2030. Furthermore, FORVIA is committed to achieving 38% women among external hires by 2026, demonstrating a proactive approach to fostering diversity.
Elena Davidson, another advocate for gender equality, stated, “We are proud supporters of the Working for Change programme, which sees us actively contribute hours of support and expertise to women-led businesses and NGOs that are driving gender equality.” This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration and support in creating opportunities for women in various sectors.
Looking Ahead
As International Women’s Day approaches, the focus remains on creating spaces for learning, visibility, and shared experiences. Judit Mora emphasized, “Supporting spaces like this matters to us because it helps create opportunities for learning, visibility and shared experience beyond internal conversations.” The ongoing dialogue surrounding gender equality is crucial for fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive.
While progress has been made, the journey towards full gender equality continues. The collective efforts of individuals, organizations, and communities will be essential in addressing the disparities that still exist. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it serves as a reminder of the work that lies ahead and the shared responsibility to advocate for change.