Why is Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace important? There is a persistent gender imbalance in the UK. Data shows that women make up just 38% of senior leadership, and face an enduring gender pay gap. Yet CMI’s research found that only 1 in 5 senior managers and leaders actively advocate women for key projects, roles or promotions.
Gender Equality is not enough
Gender equal opportunities are not enough to create a truly inclusive workplace. We need to go beyond providing individuals and groups with the same resources or opportunities and aim for gender equity-based solutions.
Gender equity recognises the intersectionality and diversity of gender. Through it, we can give out exact resources and opportunities based on different circumstances. This enables us to champion women in the workplace by fairly serving their individual and shared experiences. Not everyone starts the same, but they should all be empowered to reach an equal outcome with the right support.
At CMI, we have recognised the importance of equity for inclusive leadership by placing it at the heart of our Professional Standards.
The Workplace in Review: Gender
We need tangible actions to address the inequity and discrimination that prevent women from participating in the economy. What more can employers and managers do to create a more balanced workplace for all?
The key to inclusive leadership is to learn from lived experiences. In this episode, men and women across sectors share their perspectives on enabling fair and equitable opportunities at work.
44%
report action plans
in place where women are underrepresented in an organisation
21%
report balanced short-lists
are used in recruitment
What is the reality of Gender Equity?
CMI identified a say-do gap across UK workplaces. Whilst organisations may think and say that they are doing the right thing when it comes to inclusivity, the evidence suggests that women still have clear barriers to success in work.
- Women lack mentoring and sponsorship opportunities
- Women remain over-represented in insecure and low-paying roles
- Women face a clear gap in pay compared to men
- Organisations are complacent about acknowledging the imbalance
Explore our research for practical actions to empower gender equity in your organisation.
The Everyone Economy ReportLearn more about Gender Equity
60 entries found
Topic: Equality and Diversity
“The culture needs to change” – 6 things we learned at CMI Women
This year’s CMI Women Conference was full of actionable strategies for advancing inclusion. Here are just six key insights…
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Topic: Gender
“It starts with trust”: How to make your tech company more inclusive
Women still face a host of barriers when joining or progressing through emerging sectors. Here’s how you can help dismantle
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Topic: Gender
CMI celebrates International Women’s Day 2024: a message from CMI’s Patron, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Inspire Inclusion” – here are six actions that we can all take today
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Topic: Gender
“I had to work three times harder”: The professional struggles of women in STEM
One in four STEM professionals are women – here’s why industry leadership needs more flexibility and visibility
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Topic: Sexual Orientation
The changes the LGBTQIA+ community wants to see at work
We examined the findings from an important new survey on what the LGBTQIA+ community wants for a more inclusive workplace
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Topic: Gender
Male allyship in the workplace: how to be a better ally to women
Surveys have revealed a say-do chasm around standing up for women at work. So what needs to be done?
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Topic: Equality and Diversity
Why shared parental leave matters (and how to make it work)
Boosting the popularity of shared parental leave benefits everyone in the workplace – not just women
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Topic: Employment Landscape
Pay transparency: Should we be talking about salaries?
Finding out your coworker takes home more than you can be extremely demoralising. Can more transparency encourage change?
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