As we reflect on International Women's Day, it is essential to look at the progress made toward gender equality in the workplace and acknowledge the areas that still require attention. We spoke with some of the team to look at their views on the role of businesses in fostering inclusivity, and the impactful initiatives driving change.

The State of Gender Equality in Workplaces Today

The general consensus is that while workplaces have made significant strides toward gender equality, challenges remain. Charvi, Head of Research at Ally, acknowledges that "workplaces are surely advancing in gender equality, yet challenges like bias, wage gaps, and leadership gaps still persist in some companies." This highlights the ongoing need for organisations to remain vigilant in ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.

Greg, CEO and Co-Founder of Ally, shares a similar perspective, emphasising that gender equality is "a serious issue and being treated as such by many organisations." The awareness and commitment of businesses to tackle these disparities are crucial in driving change.

What Companies Should Do to Support Gender Equality

So what can companies do to actively promote gender equality. There’s a number of actions businesses can take, including equal pay, unbiased hiring practices, and leadership representation.

Charvi believes that "companies should provide equal opportunities to all genders by ensuring equal pay and policies. Equal opportunity should be provided at all levels, eliminating bias, especially at the leadership level."

Greg echoes this sentiment, stating, "It comes from the top. Look at the board, the leadership, the management split, etc. It is demonstrated by your own actions." Leadership representation sets the tone for an organisation's culture and can serve as a catalyst for broader industry change.

Arushi, Director of Learning and Development at Ally, points out that "understanding that men and women can bring various inherent and developed skills and capabilities to grow businesses together is the first step for companies." Recognising the unique strengths of diverse teams and ensuring opportunities are based on merit rather than gender is key to long-term progress.

How Ally Supports Gender Equality

Ally has emerged as a strong advocate for gender equality, not just through policies but through its everyday practices. The firm has a majority-female leadership team and ensures that women are acknowledged and valued for their contributions.

Arushi notes that "the gender ratio at Ally speaks volumes for itself. Ally is one firm where women are appreciated and acknowledged for the sincere and hard work they put in daily." Charvi reinforces this by highlighting that "Ally is doing a great job in providing equal opportunities for everyone, reflected in our strong representation in senior leadership."

Greg emphasises that Ally's commitment to gender equality isn't about meeting quotas or external expectations but about doing what is right: "We do, not just because of an initiative, but because it's the right thing to do. Our own leadership is majority women, as is our whole company.”

Empowering Women Beyond the Workplace

Beyond its internal policies, Ally actively supports gender equality through its "Ally for Good" initiative, which focuses on education for underprivileged girls. Anushka, Head of HR, explains, "Ally for Good is a part of our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact, a meaningful initiative that helps shape brighter futures for young girls." By investing in education, Ally is working to break the cycle of poverty and empower the next generation of female leaders.

Anushka further highlights that "it is a supremely impactful initiative, especially for a company like ours that has a workforce made up of over 90% women. We firmly believe in the transformative power of education and are committed to empowering the next generation of women leaders."

Looking Ahead: The Path to True Equality

While progress has been made, gender equality in the workplace requires continuous effort. Companies must remain proactive in ensuring fair pay, equal opportunities, and leadership representation. Initiatives like Ally for Good demonstrate that organisations can also have an impact beyond their immediate workforce by empowering future generations.

As Arushi aptly puts it, "Everyone capable deserves a seat at the table." By fostering inclusive workplaces and actively supporting gender equality, businesses can create environments where talent thrives, regardless of gender. This week, let’s celebrate progress while recognising that the journey towards true equality is ongoing—and one that requires the collective commitment of all organisations and individuals.