Accelerating action: supporting more women into leadership
Progress on gender equality has been made, but more action is needed to ensure women step into senior leadership roles with confidence and support, says Janet Dodd, Chief Strategy Officer at Identity.
International Women’s Day (8th March 2025) is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come in gender equality and, crucially, to focus on what still needs to change. The theme this year, Accelerate Action, couldn’t be more relevant. While progress has been made, we still don’t see enough women in senior leadership roles. The issue isn’t just about opportunity; it’s about the barriers, both systemic and personal, that prevent women from stepping forward.
The industry has changed, but leadership gaps remain
Having worked in the industry for many years, I’ve seen firsthand the strides we’ve made towards gender equality, which has been a collective effort. There are more women in events, marketing, and strategic roles than ever before, and the sector benefits enormously from their contributions. Yet, when it comes to leadership positions, the numbers still don’t add up. Too often, women remain underrepresented at the top, despite their expertise and capabilities.
The problem isn’t just about hiring practices, it’s about culture. Leadership structures and expectations have historically favoured men, and while unconscious bias is improving, we still need to do more to create environments where women feel empowered to lead.
The challenge of imposter syndrome
One of the biggest obstacles to gender parity in leadership isn’t just external; it’s internal. Imposter syndrome, feeling like you don’t belong, or that your achievements are down to luck rather than skill, is something many women struggle with, even when they are highly competent. This self-doubt can hold women back from applying for promotions, putting themselves forward for big opportunities, or even recognising their own worth.
The solution isn’t just for women to ‘be more confident’, it’s for organisations to create environments where women feel secure in their abilities. This means mentorship, sponsorship, and structured career pathways that support women in taking that next step, without feeling like they have to prove themselves twice as much.
Accelerating real change
It’s time to go beyond awareness and drive real change. That means actively identifying and removing barriers to leadership, creating spaces where women’s voices are heard, and ensuring that talent and ambition, rather than outdated structures, define who rises to the top.
For businesses, this isn’t just about diversity for diversity’s sake. Companies with strong female leadership consistently perform better, bring fresh perspectives, and create more inclusive cultures. The benefits are clear, but the challenge is making it happen.
A call to action
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must ask ourselves: what are we doing to accelerate action? Whether it’s mentoring a colleague, advocating for fairer leadership pathways, or simply recognising and challenging our own biases, we all have a role to play.
Progress has been made, but now it’s time to move faster. More women belong in leadership. Let’s ensure they get there.
Pictured: some of the incredible women who contribute to the success of Identity and its clients.
