As we celebrate International Women's Day 2025, Voice4Change England remains dedicated to advocating for gender equality within Black and Minoritised Ethnic communities in England. This year's theme, "Accelerate Action," resonates deeply with our mission to create a more equitable society for all.
The Urgency of Accelerated Action
The world we inhabit has been systematically constructed with women as an afterthought, echoing Simone de Beauvoir's description of women as "the second sex." This deeply rooted disparity calls for advocacy spaces to centre gender equality and equity in their work. This year's focus is not just on celebration, but on catalysing tangible progress in dismantling the systemic barriers and biases that women continue to face in both personal and professional spheres.
The urgency of this theme becomes clear when we consider the sobering statistics: at our current rate of progress, it will take until 2158—roughly five generations from now—to achieve full gender parity. This timeline is simply unacceptable. We must act now to close the gender gap in education, employment, leadership, and beyond.
At Voice4Change England, we recognise that the challenges faced by women, particularly those from Black and Minoritised Ethnic backgrounds, are multifaceted and intersectional. Our approach to accelerating action involves addressing these complexities head-on.
Intersectionality in Action: Housing and Gender
One of our key policy areas is addressing the UK housing crisis, which disproportionately affects women. There is a strong link between domestic abuse and housing insecurity, with women often facing "hidden homelessness" such as sofa surfing or staying in unsafe housing situations. Women, especially those from marginalised communities, often earn less than men, making housing affordability a significant challenge.
This intersection of gender and housing insecurity highlights the urgent need to consider women's unique experiences when shaping housing policies. By approaching issues through the lens of the women in the communities we advocate for, we can accelerate gender equality in tangible ways.
Breaking Barriers in Sports and Beyond
Gender parity faces numerous obstacles, including in areas like sports. There is a gendered bias in investment, with boys often receiving more support than their female counterparts. This disparity extends to professional levels, where women's sports continue to be undervalued and underfunded.
To address these issues, we need policies that examine how disparities emerge from childhood and take concrete steps to close them. This includes increasing investment in women's sports, ensuring equal opportunities at all levels, and challenging outdated biases that limit growth and recognition.
Amplifying Women's Voices
Voice4Change England is committed to amplifying the voices of women, particularly those from Black and Minoritised Ethnic backgrounds. We believe that by creating more diverse perspectives in leadership and inclusive decision-making, we can accelerate progress towards gender equality.
As we approach International Women's Day 2025, Voice4Change England is honoured to feature the inspiring story of Mauva Johnson-Jones, a remarkable woman who embodies the spirit of this year's theme, "Accelerate Action." Mauva's journey from facing gender bias and workplace discrimination to becoming a successful business owner and community leader exemplifies the resilience and determination needed to drive change. Her experiences in the banking industry, where she encountered unequal treatment despite her qualifications, highlight the ongoing challenges women face in the workplace. Mauva's commitment to treating everyone fairly, paying contractors based on experience rather than gender, and fostering mutual respect among her team members demonstrates practical steps towards accelerating gender equality. Her multifaceted life as a sister, wife, mother, grandmother, therapist, and community leader showcases the diverse roles women juggle while making significant contributions to society.
Nimita Smyth, a content creator in Marketing, exemplifies the spirit of "Accelerate Action" through her commitment to supporting fellow women in their professional journeys. Her personal experience with pay disparity at a creative marketing agency, where a less experienced male colleague was paid more, highlights the ongoing challenges women face in the workplace. Nimita advocates for transparency in company finances and pay structures to address these inequalities. Inspired by activists like Lauran and Anne O'Neill, as well as social media influencers, she recognises the power of vocal advocacy in driving change. Nimita suggests innovative solutions such as workplace training to address unconscious bias and promote women supporting women, particularly as they climb the career ladder. Beyond her professional life, Nimita's roles as a friend, wife, sister, and gym enthusiast showcase the multifaceted nature of women's lives. Her openness about choosing not to have children challenges societal norms and fosters important conversations about women's roles in society. Nimita's story underscores the importance of individual action, collective support, and challenging societal expectations in accelerating gender equality.
Sophia Hossain, our Infrastructure and Development Officer, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the fight for gender equality. Drawing from her personal journey as a working mother, Sophia emphasises the importance of advocating for inclusive policies such as equal pay, parental leave, anti-discrimination measures, and flexible working arrangements. She highlights the significance of creating opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds to speak, lead, and contribute to decision-making processes, particularly in educational and community settings.
She advocates for personalised development approaches, using data to identify skills gaps and leadership potential, and offering tailored learning paths with real-time feedback. Her emphasis on using social media campaigns and events to highlight success stories and educate stakeholders demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to promoting gender equality in the digital age.
Strategies for Acceleration
To truly accelerate action, we need to implement proven strategies and amplify their impact:
Empowering Career Conversations: Organisations can foster equitable workplaces by encouraging open dialogues about career growth and providing tools for employees to take control of their professional development.
Mentorship Programs: Establishing strong mentorship initiatives can significantly support women's advancement in the workplace, offering guidance and opening doors to new opportunities.
Addressing Unconscious Bias: Companies should invest in comprehensive training programs to tackle gender bias, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued equally in professional settings.
Supporting Work-Life Balance: Implementing flexible policies that accommodate the diverse needs of women, particularly in areas of health and family care, is crucial for retention and advancement.
Education and Outreach: Increasing awareness about career opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as technology and agriculture, can help break down stereotypes and encourage diversity.
A Call to Action
As we commemorate International Women's Day 2025, Voice4Change England calls on everyone to join us in accelerating action for gender equality. Whether it's in your workplace, community, or personal life, every action counts.
Let us draw inspiration from women like Caroline Criado Perez, whose work exposes data bias in a world designed for men, and Malala Yousafzai, whose courage in advocating for girls' education continues to inspire global change.
Together, we can create a world where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality. Let's accelerate action, break barriers, and build a more equitable future for all women, especially those from Black and Minoritised Ethnic communities.
This blog draws on valuable perspectives from remarkable women making significant contributions to our sector and society, including Mauva Johnson-Jones of Precious Counselling and Mentoring CIC, Nimita Smyth, and our dedicated staff members: Policy Officer Christabelle Quaynor, Infrastructure and Development Officer Sophia Hossain, and Senior Media, Marketing and Communications Officer Ditipriya Acharya.
As we celebrate the achievements of women this International Women's Day, let's also renew our commitment to accelerating action. Together, we can build a world where gender equality is not a distant goal, but a present reality. The time for action is now—let's accelerate towards a more equitable future for all.
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