Gender equality as a business advantage on Women's Day

As International Women's Day 2025 approaches, calls for tangible change in achieving gender equality in the workplace resonate more than ever. Business leaders and advocates urge organisations to prioritise gender equality as a fundamental business strategy rather than a mere obligation.

Cassie Gasson, co-CEO of Thrive, emphasises that economic consequences loom large if gender disparities remain unaddressed. Recent figures illuminate a troubling reality: women in the UK earn 7% less than their male counterparts. "This is not merely a social issue; it's a business imperative," Gasson asserts, spotlighting how diversity fuels innovation and company resilience.

At Thrive, women hold half of the senior leadership positions, a strategy that Gasson credits for fostering diverse perspectives that challenge traditional thinking. "Diverse leadership directly impacts the bottom line," adding that mentorship programs and AI-driven bias reduction strategies are pivotal to advancing gender equity.

Deb Maddigan, Senior Director, Human Resources APJ and India, Akamai Technologies, echoes similar sentiments. She underscores the necessity of effective diversity and inclusion policies in enabling young women to realise their potential. "Inclusive and diverse teams are more creative and resilient," Maddigan states, advocating for organisational cultures that actively encourage women to pursue leadership roles, particularly in tech—an industry often perceived as exclusive.

At Akamai, initiatives like non-traditional hiring programs aim to cultivate a diverse pipeline of future tech leaders. Maddigan stresses, "Recognising leadership potential among women from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds is crucial." She suggests that such approaches don't just empower women but also enrich the workforce, fostering a culture where female leadership is the norm.

International Women's Day also prompts reflection on historical achievements that continue to inspire current innovations. One such trailblazer is Marie Van Brittan Brown, who developed the first home security system in 1966. Her pioneering work laid the foundation for modern security technologies that companies like Arlo build upon today.

Arlo acknowledges Marie Van Brittan Brown's lasting impact, utilising advanced AI and computer vision capabilities to enhance personal and home security. Recognising women's contributions in tech underscores the ongoing need to create an environment where female innovators are celebrated and their innovations furthered.

Gasson and Maddigan's narratives highlight a common theme: gender equality is not just a moral pursuit but a critical business advantage. They advocate for structured support systems that enable women's growth, from mentorship and sponsorship to creating career pathways within tech industries.

This International Women's Day message is clear—genuine efforts towards gender equality can drive significant economic, social, and organisational benefits. Organisations can foster a more equitable future by listening to women's voices and embedding their perspectives into business strategy.