Celebrating women, driving change
In the UK, key milestones in women’s voting rights include the 1918 Representation of the People Act and the 1928 Equal Franchise Act, yet we have no national Equality Day to mark such progress. That’s where the North East business community can lead by example. By acknowledging Women’s Equality Day, we symbolically connect with global movements and signal our commitment to equality, not simply as a legal obligation, but as a corporate virtue.
Why this matters for North East businesses
- Strengthening our regional identity
The North East has a rich heritage of bold change-makers and remarkable women leaders. Events like the Chamber’s Women’s forum amplify voices from across sectors, inspiring leadership and inclusive cultures. - Building a culture of equity
Embracing Women’s Equality Day allows local businesses to highlight, or launch, actions that promote equality: mentorship programs, flexible working policies, female leadership pipelines and gender pay transparency. - Employee engagement and trust
Demonstrating a firm commitment to gender equality boosts morale, builds trust and underscores the values modern employees and clients expect.
Practical ways to mark the day
- Share stories of North East women, past and present, who’ve shaped our region’s industries or civic life.
- Host roundtables or virtual panels on gender equity.
- Launch internal pledges (e.g., gender-balanced recruitment or transparent pay practices) or highlight existing initiatives.
- Collaborate with local charities or schools to support girls’ leadership, STEM exposure or entrepreneurship pathways.
