International Women's Day : HR Leaders Share How To #BreakTheBias

Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Celebrated on the 8th of March, the day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias and I spoke with some leaders from the HR world about IWD and breaking the bias.

At WoMo we are on a mission to change the way women are supported in the workplace. The more gender-equal a company is, the better it is for all employees. And a happier workforce demonstrates higher productivity and lower job turnover. Equality in the workplace is fundamentally good for business. We believe at WoMo, supporting women through life-changing events, such as having a baby, can be the difference that makes the difference when it comes to the engagement of female talent.

**Susan Lowe, Chief People & Sustainability Officer, Fuel50**

One of the important steps to #BreakTheBias is to ensure we recognise bias and feel empowered to call it out when we see it in action. Something we can all commit to doing, and collectively that effort will have a profound impact on equity and forging a path for equality.

***Kim Brosnan, Chief People Officer, Lead Forensics***

There have been some great steps towards gender parity since the first gathering for International Women’s Day back in 1911. However, the recent MeToo movement is just one example of the challenges that women continue to face. It’s critical that as HR professionals we continue to use our position and influence to promote the Diversity and Inclusivity agenda and shine the spotlight on inequality whenever we see it. In the meantime, let’s come together, celebrate the progress we’ve made and mark this day by thanking all the wonderful women in our lives.

This IWD provides another wonderful opportunity to publicise and celebrate the significant and impactful role that women play in our society. This year’s theme “Break The Bias” really resonates right now, when so many women continue to face inequality of treatment and opportunity. As leaders, it is incumbent on us to strive for a fairer society and to use our influence to drive for major change. I really love this quote by Michelle Obama: “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them”. I’d like to add: “May we celebrate them”.