Re-commit to developing and maintaining an inclusive workplace this International Women’s Day 2023.
International Women’s Day is March 8th and the UN’s theme for this year is DigitALL – Innovation & technology for gender equality. This is the 9th international women’s day since AXIS Network was formed, and a time to reflect as I step into the role of Chair and we continue to support the Energy Sector with their goal for gender balance in business. (1)
The industry has come a long way in recent years, we have seen positive changes and a shift in the gender pay gap, a measurable indicator of gender balance, but there is still much more to do. This International Women’s Day, AXIS Network are calling on all businesses and individuals across the industry to re-commit to attracting, retaining and developing a diverse workforce.
I am delighted to be taking over as Chair of AXIS, a post that has been held by Karen Blanc, for the last 4 years. Karen has been an exemplary leader, maintaining our focus on supporting the industry’s business leadership to build and sustain an inclusive environment, setting the foundations for gender balance in the energy industry.
I have been part of that journey for the last eight years and have enjoyed working with our team to develop our offerings and support the industry towards gender balance.
This year at AXIS Network we intend to get back to basics, ensuring we have events for both our members and our pledge signatories, continue our mentoring programme and provide support to the industry through thought leadership, highlighting role models and providing guidance. We look forward to working with you!
As International Women’s Day approaches you may be wondering how best to mark this day.
International Women’s Day is not only a day to show-case your inspirational female employees (we love to see role models all year round!), it’s an opportunity to highlight your commitment to a gender balanced workplace, and developing and maintaining an inclusive environment has a positive impact on workplace culture for everyone.
Here are our top suggestions for International Women’s Day 2023:
1. Encourage your workplace to sign up to the AXIS pledge, more information can be found here.
2. As an individual make your own pledge towards supporting an inclusive environment, wherever you work or spend your time. Considering even starting at home.
3. Highlight causes that support the advancement of quality for women, emphasise their voices and if appropriate fundraise for their cause.
Please tag AXIS Network on your social media channels we’d love to see what you’ve been up to and hear your commitments.
(1) Photo credit: UN Women International Women's Day. Accessed 2nd March 2023.