Human Rights Day | A Spotlight on Gender
Dignity, Freedom & Justice for All
Today is International #humanrightsday. December 10, 2022, marks the 74th anniversary of the United Nations’ (UN) 1948 adoption of the world-changing Universal Declaration of Human Rights (#udhr), and the start of a year-long campaign in the lead up to the commemoration of the 75th anniversary. The theme: Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All.
Putting a Spotlight on Gender
While the UDHR has sought to establish the (equally important) rights of all People – on this day of commemoration we’re putting a spotlight on Women’s Rights! Reflecting on the traction we’ve made, as a Nation, in furthering the rights of half our population and zeroing in on what we as Business Leaders can do to level up the ledger on gender.
So, What is the UDHR?
Australia – a Pioneer and Leader:
Did you know that Australia was a key leader in penning and promoting the Declaration? Our Nations was one of only 8 foundation countries responsible for drafting the UDHR.
Human Rights Under Threat:
In the last 74 years of its existence, the UDHR has continued to inspire movements for change for a more equal and inclusive world for everyone. And, while significant progress has been on improving the rights of women, children and young people, indigenous peoples and guardianship of their land and culture; and has seen the abolition of the death penalty in many countries… Progress does not mean the fight for rights and equality ever ends. Indeed, recent global volatility – is presenting a real and imminent threat to human rights progress.
Australia is Not Immune.
We’re not immune. Notably, against a background of world challenges – pandemics, conflicts, rising inequality, a global financial system in crisis, racism, and climate change – in our own backyard we’ve seen Human Rights suffer… with progress on Women’s Rights and gender equity taking a back step. With Monash University’s recent MHRI report revealing:
The gender pay gap has widened – at the current rate of progress it will take 200 years to achieve income equity and close the gender pay gap
Australia currently ranks 70th in the world in terms of in the world women’s economic security and opportunity
Gender inequity in workforce participation is costing our economy $72b in lost GDP annually
Women’s social functioning, emotional and physical ability to perform their role, declined from 2001-2020 – linked to financial inequity (lower incomes, less superannuation, less work force engagement and poorer health than men)
There’s Hope!
With recognition that equitable health and wellbeing of the community is a social justice issue, and is also essential for social and economic growth – The time is now! We can all be better and do better to ensure that all Australian Women (and all People) have their basic Human Rights upheld. We cannot rely on governments alone. As Business Leaders and people of influence – we have a role to play in leading the change which can benefit all of us. So let’s not leave anyone behind.
What can I do to lead the change in my business:
✅ Be a voice for change. As a corporate citizen – you can be a powerful voice for change. So take a stand. Consider how you can leverage your influence for good – and show up in your socials, PR, government advocacy and business community – to level the balance.
✅ Raise awareness from within. Host a session for your people to raise awareness of the of the equity issues in your organisation. Visibly champion change and provide the space for participation and positive activism.
✅ Raise awareness of the supports in place. Already have policies, benefits or initiatives that support women facing disadvantage or abuse? Now’s a great time to raise awareness!
✅ Raise funds. Change needs dollars and sense! Feature the UN (or other organisations that’s helping tackle inequity and disadvantage) as a candidate for giving – in your Employee Giving Scheme over the month of December/January. Consider matching employee contributions dollar for dollar – or hosting a fund-raising event.
✅ Revise your Strategy & Targets. It starts with data. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Take an audit of where your organisation is at with its gender agenda. Consider the E in your DE&I strategy and action plan. What’s your objective? What’s your target? What will success look like when you get there? Have you got systems to deliver the right data and insights so you can manage and track your progress? Consider whether you’ve got the right capabilities, tools and resources to enact meaningful change. Once you’re sure you’re ship shape – set meaningful, time-bound targets.
✅ Plan for action. Make people accountable. Consider who will take custodianship of your equity strategy and action plan. Nominate a champion or ambassador who will lead the charge and inspire people to be the change.
equidi for equity – How we can help.
At equidi we’re creating tech for an equitable and inclusive future and an even better world for all of us. We’re helping level up the ledger on gender this century by empowering businesses to the change.
Our vision: A more equitable and inclusive future – one we can all look forward to
Our tech: equidi is a world-first platform that’s putting gender on the agenda. Providing companies with real-time visibility over pay-gap and workforce representation – across every part of their business on a single dashboard. With AI-generated recommendations to set goals and track progress and the tools and resources to meaningful enact progress – we’re helping businesses to see the change and be the change.
To find out more: Get in touch at hello@equidi.com. To discover how we’re helping to drive the change we all want to see, follow us on LinkedIn.
