International Women’s Day: Why It Still Matters
International Women’s Day: Why It Still Matters
Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a reminder of both the progress we’ve made and the barriers that still stand in the fight for gender equality. Some may ask, “Haven’t we already achieved equality?” The truth is, we are far from done.
Here’s why International Women’s Day still matters in the UK, backed by real facts and figures.
The Gender Pay Gap Won’t Close Itself
Despite decades of campaigning, women in the UK still earn significantly less than men.
💰 Overall pay gap: On average, women in the UK earn 13.1% less than men.
💰 Boardroom pay gap: Female board members in FTSE 100 companies earn £335,953 on average, while male board members take home £1,073,445—a 68% difference (Hassan et al. 2025).
The pay gap isn’t just about salary, it’s about opportunities, promotions, and economic independence.
Women Are Still Underrepresented in Leadership
Women make up half the population, yet their voices and decisions are still missing from the top.
🏢 Corporate leadership: Women hold 36.3% of senior leadership roles in FTSE 100 companies.
📊 Boardroom representation: Women now make up 43.4% of board seats in FTSE 350 companies—a big improvement, but still not equal (Baker et al. 2025).
While boardroom diversity is improving, true equality means more women in executive decision-making roles, not just on the boards.
Women in STEM: The Battle for Representation
In Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, where future jobs are growing, women remain underrepresented.
🔬 A-Level choices: Boys are still more likely to study maths, further maths, physics, and computer science, while girls tend to focus on chemistry and biology.
💻 STEM careers: Despite some progress, women are still underrepresented in engineering and technology fields (Winchester, 2025).
Without more women in STEM, the future of tech and innovation will continue to be shaped by men—leaving women’s needs and perspectives overlooked.
True Gender Equality in the UK? Not Anytime Soon.
“At the current rate of progress, achieving full gender parity in the UK will take until 2158—that’s over five generations from now.”
Do we really want to wait over 130 years for equality?
How You Can Take Action
International Women’s Day isn’t just about acknowledging the problem, it’s about changing the future. Here’s how you can help:
✅ Speak up: Call out inequality in the workplace and society.
✅ Support women-led businesses: Invest in equality with your wallet.
✅ Advocate for equal pay: Push for wage transparency in your industry.
✅ Encourage young girls in STEM: Representation starts in education.
✅ Stay informed: Knowledge is power—keep learning and sharing.
Final Thoughts: We Can’t Stop Now
International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebration, it’s about momentum. Until women in the UK are paid fairly, represented equally, and given the same opportunities as men, we cannot stop fighting.
🚀 Join the movement. Demand justice. The time is now.