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
67 entries found
Topic: Personal Development
“Authenticity squeezes out imposter syndrome”
Self-doubt affects most of us, even high achievers. One way to overcome it is to recognise the many strengths it gives you
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Topic: Equality and Diversity
The Everyone Economy
CMI’s plan for sharing work opportunity and success
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Topic: Personal Development
We need you: Men’s role in gender equality in the workplace
From advocating for parental leave to creating space for women, male allyship is vital to keep driving gender equality
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Topic: Personal Development
These are the most exciting ideas in leadership today: Part 2
Leadership success is about having, and embracing, different perspectives. Check out these from the 2022 CMI MBOTY longlist
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Topic: Personal Development
13 powerful calls to action from the CMI Women conference
We pulled together some of the best bits from the expert speakers at the first ever CMI Women conference
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Topic: Workplace Culture
How many women do you work with?
Despite moves towards diversity across all sectors, some are still very male-dominated. How can we bring more balance?
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Topic: Equality and Diversity
The powerful efforts of Challenges Catalyst to break down barriers for women returning to work
Find out how Management and Leadership training enabled 16 women returners to thrive in the workplace
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Topic: Gender
Women in the pandemic – small gains but big gaps remain
This 2022 International Women’s Day discussion paper highlights the overall progress made in industry.
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