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While in my opinion, International Women’s Day (IWD) should be all day, every day, the 24-hour event itself has morphed into being a global moment for reflection, celebration, and action. Advocating for and investing in women isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s essential for a high-functioning, progressive society. Pushing for better policies, greater equality and equity for women and non-binary people - including more female representation at leadership level - is something we should all strive for.
But at a time when progress on gender equality is not just stagnating but, in some cases, actively being rolled back, this year’s theme for Accelerating Action, feels more urgent than ever. And the data backs it up.
The Global Gender Gap Index found that while women account for 41.9% of the workforce, the proportion of women in senior leadership roles (C-Suite, VP and Director) has dropped by 10% to just 32.2%. Meanwhile McKinsey & Company’s Women in the Workplace 2024 report found that women still remain underrepresented at every stage of the corporate pipeline - regardless of race or ethnicity. And this rather depressing state of affairs appears to be having a detrimental effect on some women’s view of the likelihood of their own professional progression: The Advertising Association's All In census found that 29% of women believe their gender is actually a hinderance to their career progression - more than twice the proportion of men.
Unfortunately, some businesses are scaling back their DEI efforts, putting hard-won progress at risk. Thankfully IPG Mediabrands UK is doing the opposite - strengthening its commitment to DEI for all talent, including women and non-binary employees. A 0% gender pay gap, unlimited flexi-leave, core hours and generous parental leave are just a few of the policies embedded in our Open Culture.
At KINESSO UK&I, we don’t just talk about equity, we act on it. We work hard to ensure fair representation and inclusive practices are embedded across every level of our business. This includes - but is not limited to - equitable hiring and promotion practices to support women’s advancement at all levels; internal leadership programmes that amplify diverse voices and perspectives; and ongoing training and education to challenge bias and foster an inclusive workplace culture.
But there’s always more to be done and this IWD we reaffirm our dedication to driving real change - not just today, but every day. Because accelerating action isn’t just a theme; it’s a responsibility we all share.
We asked a cross-section of people at KINESSO UK&I how we can accelerate change for women - both professionally and personally. We also heard from our male allies also shared their perspectives on supporting gender equity and championing the women around them.
Group Director, Experience Content
Katie Foster.
What’s one small but impactful way companies can better support women in the workplace?
Don’t underestimate the power of flexible working. Over 16 million women (16+) are in employment in the UK, so we need to be open to offering different working patterns. The world has changed, especially since the pandemic. Hybrid and flexible working patterns are now the reality. While businesses may worry that flexible working means employees aren’t contributing as much, I couldn’t disagree more. I’ve never been as efficient as I am today. I say no to unnecessary meetings, plan out my weeks effectively and spend time on tasks that adds the best value to the business. Working three days means I have to maximise my time and my output, and it’s made me more productive than ever.
As co-chair of the Women’s Network at Mediabrands, we’re really passionate about advocating for, developing and championing our talent here. We run activity throughout the year including panel events, networking opportunities and workshops with our partners. We even look at how we can enhance policies within our agency. Anyone can join the network – including allies – and it’s a great space for like-minded individuals to work on something meaningful outside of our day-to-day roles.
Hrshida Vekariya.
What’s one piece of career advice you wish you had received earlier?
One piece of career advice I wish I had received earlier is to be your own biggest advocate in your role or within the company. No one else is better equipped to highlight your achievements and the amazing things you do. It's important to recognise your own value and confidently share your contributions with others.
Secondly don’t be afraid to speak up. Yes, it can be intimidating when you’re in a meeting with male leaders or individuals more senior than you, but your voice matters just as much as anyone else's, and you have valuable insights and perspectives to offer.
Don't hold back—be confident and ensure you're heard. Your input can make a real difference!
Editorial Assistant
Marina Thomas.
What initiatives have made the biggest difference in fostering gender equity in the workplace?
Employees today experience a better balance between equity and security compared to the past.
One noteworthy change in recent times has been the flexibility in working arrangements. Remote work, inclusive parental leave policies, and paid time off for health and wellness reasons have shifted the approach to work-life balance. This has also helped reduce the stigma linked to women taking advantage of these benefits, since they often take up caregiving roles.
Another crucial step in promoting equity is the introduction, of gender-specific workshops and sessions in workplace, that educate employees about how behavioural patterns and unconscious biases, can hinder women’s leadership opportunities. Such knowledge sharing helps in understanding the significant gender disparities in the career advancement
Group Business Director
Aeron Corrigan.
What’s one piece of career advice you wish you had received earlier?
One piece of career advice I wish I had received earlier is to embrace the power of saying ‘no’.
Early in my career, I felt the need to say yes to every opportunity, task, and request, thinking it was the only way to show value.
Over time, I realised that prioritising my well-being and focusing on what truly aligns with my goals makes me more effective and fulfilled.
Saying ‘no’ is not a sign of weakness, it’s an act of strength, self-respect, and strategic thinking. It’s okay to set boundaries and protect your time to nurture your growth and success. You’ll be a better employee, leader and person for it.
Account Manager
Simone Hallett.
Is there a woman in history or present times that you think has truly accelerated women’s progress?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg made an extraordinary impact on women’s rights, shaping laws that continue to protect gender equality today.
As a Supreme Court Justice, she fought tirelessly against workplace discrimination, advocated for reproductive rights, and challenged legal systems that disadvantaged women. Her legacy is a reminder that change happens when people persist, even in the face of systemic obstacles.
Ginsburg’s influence extends beyond law - she inspired countless women to step into leadership roles, demand their rights, and never accept the status quo. Her work reminds us that gender equity is an ongoing fight, but one worth continuing.
Performance Strategy Director
Alex Yanik.
How can you be an ally in March and beyond?
It doesn’t matter the month, the religious or cultural awareness day, meaningful action as an ally is about being an emotionally intelligent human being in your everyday life (home, work, friends, etc).
Simply showing up, participating in the activity, and be open to listening about experiences that might not align with your own, but still impact your own.
The IPG Mediabrands Open Women’s Network has two male allies as our Executive Sponsors, and they happily share the word about our ERG’s events and help progress policy changes. Every company is planning something for IWD – how many are you attending?
Group Managing Director
Stu Lunn.
What meaningful action can men take - personally or professionally - to help accelerate gender equity and equality?
As a Father of 3 girls I want to do everything I can to elevate and support great female talent, because all children need to be inspired to follow their passions – and need footsteps to then follow in.
If you’ve got children, consider this; when the time comes for pocket money, what do we do? Prepare our daughters for the future by giving them 20% less than the boys? Female representation is still an issue for our industry; The 2024 Global Gender Gap Report states women in senior leadership roles has dropped by 10% to 32.2%, the Advertising Association’s ‘All In’ survey found 30% of women believe their gender hinders career progression.
So, while we hear a lot about closing the gap on pay in the industry, we have a lot to do around providing equal opportunities. Whatever you do, and whatever role you have professionally; listen actively to understand the challenges women continue to face, call out misogyny when you see it, advocate for the talent around you. Do all of this, and not only in March.
Chief Strategy Officer
Danny Blackburn.
Has there been a woman in your professional or personal life who has influenced your career, and what did you learn from her?
When I was a young journalist, my boss Sarah Jane Smith was one of the few female editors of a big British regional newspaper at the time. She was a tough, powerful and demanding boss in a macho industry. She instilled a commitment to the highest standards, and I felt backed and encouraged at the same time.
When I first started in marketing, my colleague Heather Healy showed me that being brilliant and being generous were not mutually exclusive qualities. In stressful moments when I find myself becoming too 'task-orientated', I usually ask myself 'what would Heather do'?
And my current boss, KINESSO CEO Chloe Hawking, is another female leader who's pushed and supported me in equal measure, driving and encouraging me to get the most and the best out of myself. She embodies drive and determination done the right way, with warmth and care.
Head of PR
Scott Malthouse.
What meaningful action can men take - personally or professionally - to help accelerate gender equity and equality?
My advice to men is to help normalise gender equity by caring.
Some men don't believe that gender issues, whether they're in the workplace or domestically, are their fight.
Apathy like this will never lead to progress, so educate yourself.
Talk to the women in your life about their day-to-day challenges. Listen respectfully and empathise.
If other men see you actually caring about gender equality it gives them license to do the same until it gets to the point it's just normal.
If you’re a leader of a company, lead by example to create a positive environment – a rising tide lifts all boats.
Director of iGaming
William Conboy.
What meaningful action can men take - personally or professionally - to help accelerate gender equity and equality?
Act like anything is for everyone. To treat one and all without bias or difference. Champion all with equal gusto, not just those you feel a stronger alignment with.
Being aware of your influence through action, or inaction, is the most important step. The smallest action can have the biggest impact so normalising, rather than highlighting, the removal of difference is everything.