Diversity and Inclusion spotlight – March 2023

An update from the Analysis Function Diversity and Inclusion Group for March

To celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8 March, Treena Bhakta from the Create Analysis Function D&I Working Group explains more about the day and this year’s theme of ‘Embrace Equity’. 

“International Women’s Day (IWD) encourages us to elevate the visibility of women and their achievements, whilst also calling out inequality to help create a gender equal world. The day has occurred for over a century, with the first gathering in 1911.

Historically, women have been denied the right to vote, to work, and many other things, too. Because of brilliant women who fought against these barriers, we now have a lot more say in the world around us. But there are still many issues that women continue to face and fight for today. 

IWD have created resources to forge inclusive work cultures, increase knowledge surrounding health and raise awareness about women in sport. This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. 

When thinking about the barriers that women face, it’s really important that we think about how a person’s social and political identities (e.g., gender, ethnicity, religion, disability) intersect and overlap. Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term for this ‘intersectionality’ and to truly forge an equal world – we must recognise intersectionality to understand and support each other as best as we can. 

We can all challenge stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion.  

Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity.”