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
54 entries found
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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Topic: Equality and Diversity
Embracing Equity in Management & Leadership
Explore gender equality and equity from a management and leadership in the workplace perspective.
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Topic: Gender
Closing the gender pay gap: “Flexibility is most important”
More work must be done. CEO of Encompass Equality Joy Burnford shares three practical steps business can take immediately
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Topic: Equality and Diversity
P&G Alumni Women Authors
Explore how gender imbalance in book publishing has impacted the perception and visibility of women in business.
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Topic: Equality and Diversity
The Leading Issue: Dame Sharon White
Explore what good leadership looks like and the progress that is still required for women within leadership.
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Topic: Gender
The pandemic and the great leap backwards for gender equality
Hybrid work may turn out to be a giant leap backwards for gender equality unless we manage it well and #EmbraceEquity
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Topic: Gender
“Leader-full” leadership: Lessons from women in power
Author Arwa Mahdawi outlines a lesson she has learned from strong female leaders: empathy is essential
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