International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8th March. This year, the theme is equity. In this context, let's look at gender equity in the workplace and how it is essential across all aspects of society. This means ensuring that women have the same opportunities and support as men and that they are not held back by systemic barriers.
What is International Women’s Day?
IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women from around the world. The day raises awareness about gender inequality.
Equity on IWD
Equity is about creating a level playing field for everyone, regardless of gender, preferences or characteristics. This gives everyone the tools they need to write their own success story.
Gender Equity at Aventum
At Aventum, we believe in the importance of gender equity and are proud to have many strong, talented women in the Group. One of the women is Tash, who joined the business in the Spring of 2015. Tash’s story is a testament to the importance of gender equity in the workplace and how it can make a difference in the lives of working mothers.
Tash’s Story
Tash was recommended for a part-time job at Aventum after having her son. Coming from the corporate world, Tash was surprised when she started her new role that the team was tiny - to the point where everyone knew each other very well. There was even a hole in the wall of the office but none of that mattered because Tash was back at work, restoring her self-confidence in her administrative role for the Retail Sales Team.
She loved being able to pack her handbag and head out to work in the morning. Working three days each week, Tash soon learned about the London Market and quickly adapted to being in a busy office environment as people helped her confidence to grow and keep her spirit alive.
However, away from work, Tash was struggling with childcare needs for her young son. After a conversation with the team explaining that she was unable to afford childcare costs to put her son in a nursery while she was working, the team looked immediately for alternative solutions. The Group then signed up for a childcare scheme to help not only Tash but working parents across the business. This support made the world of difference to Tash and allowed her to focus on her work and family without having to worry about the added burden of childcare costs.
Tash believes that working mums are not held back at Aventum. She says, “We are still able to get our work done AND go to the Christmas assembly” because Aventum doesn’t make you pick one or the other. She continued,
