International Women’s Day 2023

It’s that time of year again. A time to celebrate women and recognise all their wonderful achievements. It’s also a time of reflection. A time to remember how far we’ve come and how far we’ve yet to go in seeking gender equality.

Since the mid-1800s, women over the world have been campaigning for equal rights alongside men. A chance to be seen. Heard. Run for office. Have better pay. Unlock their full potential, in education and at work. 

At RateMyPlacement, 54% of our team are women. We know how important having a representative workforce is and how big a role it plays in shaping people’s lives and futures.

So, on this International Women’s Day, let’s come together, #EmbraceEquity and strive for a kinder, fairer world. 

Read on to find out how you can get involved.

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What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day takes place on 8th March each year. It’s a day where people from all over the world come together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women throughout the decades. 

Whether hosting a coffee morning with friends, jumping on the #EmbraceEquity photo challenge on social media or honouring female employees for their hard work, IWD is dedicated to all the incredible women out there who empower us to be our best selves.

Each and every day.

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Why is International Women’s Day so important?

Women have campaigned tirelessly for the freedoms and rights we enjoy today. 150 years ago, it was a different story. Women couldn’t vote, stand in parliament, own property, or get paid the same amount as men. Then everything changed.

Back in the 19th century, the suffrage movement gained momentum in response to an increasing amount of frustration felt by women at being treated like second class citizens. This led to the formation of the Women’s Social and Political Union. And the rest was history.

There were thousands of protests. Many were injured, others lost their lives. Once the war broke out – however – attitudes shifted. Women began taking on roles previously denied to them, working as drivers and mechanics, with some even venturing into the office.

As the years went by, crucial laws were passed to protect the interests of women. Then, one fine day in 1979, Britain received its first female prime minister. And a milestone was reached.

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#EmbraceEquity

This year’s theme is all about embracing equity. About challenging stereotypes and tackling discrimination. Equity leads to equality. And equality to inclusion. We must embrace equity if we want to create a diverse and unified world.  

Equity isn’t what we say. Nor what we write about.

It’s how we think. Feel. What we do.

Each one of us has a role to play in changing the world and making it a better place for future generations. This change starts with you.

Ready to #EmbraceEquity? 

What will you do?

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Which charities are we supporting this year?

Our mission is to support young people and inspire them to take the first steps in their careers. So, as part of our IWD celebrations this year, we’ll be donating to three charities that help women access education and careers resources in the UK and abroad.

• Malala Fund – advocating for girls to have good secondary school education
• Young Women’s Trust – campaigning for young women’s equality in the workplace
• Wonder Foundation – empowering women through quality education and ending poverty

Want to be part of the activity? Enter our competition and tell us which charity you’d like to support. Not only will you be contributing to a great cause, you’ll also have the opportunity to win £250 too!

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