IWD: Gender Parity isn’t Just Women’s Fight
From political rhetoric in the US dismissing diversity efforts to ongoing disparities in the investment world, the road to true equality remains steep. But as Alexandra Smith puts it clearly — this isn’t just a women’s issue.
Inclusion drives innovation — and better business
Calls to dismantle DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives are gaining traction in some circles, but businesses that walk away from inclusive practices may be undermining their own success. A 2023 study showed that although only 8% of Fortune 1000 companies were led by women, those companies outperformed their male-led counterparts in revenue.
Big-name brands like Coca-Cola are doubling down on DEI efforts, recognizing that inclusive culture is smart business strategy.
DEI must be intersectional — and involve everyone
True inclusion goes beyond representation. It’s about ensuring everyone has access to the same opportunities and creating an environment where all voices are heard. That means men must also be part of the conversation.
Smith points out a troubling trend: DEI events are often attended mostly by women and nonbinary people, while the group with the most influence — men — are often absent. To shift the status quo, men need to engage as active allies in building equitable workplaces.
The funding gap speaks volumes
In the UK, the gender funding gap in venture capital is still staggering. For every £1 of VC investment:
- <1p goes to all-female teams
- 89p goes to all-male teams
- 10p goes to mixed-gender teams
This isn’t due to a lack of ambition, as some critics suggest. Smith, drawing from her own experience, strongly rejects the notion that women are less driven. Instead, she points to a biased system — from investor decision-making to underrepresentation on VC teams (where only 13% of senior roles are held by women).
The path forward
The call to action is clear: gender equity is a shared responsibility. Progress won’t come from women-only task forces or one-off panels. It requires structural change, commitment from leadership, and inclusive policies that support everyone.
As Smith writes, “There’s no end to women’s ambition or capability — but the playing field still isn’t level.” It’s up to the global business community to push back against regressive narratives and continue investing in equity as a business imperative.
