International Women’s Day: More important than ever to challenge discrimination says UoG professor

A University of Gloucestershire professor says it is more important than ever to call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination and question biases, with the world gripped by uncertainty ahead of International Women’s Day 2025.

Tomorrow (8 March), millions of people and organisations across the world will be marking International Women’s Day (IWD), an event that has existed in different guises for more than 100 years.

This year, it takes place at a time of global conflict, with Ukraine and Gaza being issues dominating the news agenda.

In this context, Professor Cathia Jenainati (pictured), author of Introducing Feminism: A Graphic Guide and Executive Dean for Partnerships at University of Gloucestershire, believes individuals can drive gender equality forward, no matter the challenges in the world at large.

Ahead of IWD 2025 tomorrow, Professor Jenainati, whose research interests include women in leadership, writes:

This year, the theme of International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action’. This is a global call to highlight and mobilise activities that impact women in all walks of life. This call concerns every one of us who strives to live in a world that recognises the talents and honours the contributions of everyone.   

IWD is all about celebrating the richness and the depth inherent in the category of Woman.  It is an opportunity for us to add our voice to others in the global community and present a message of hope and confidence about the contributions of ordinary and extraordinary women.   

We are all part of the global movement to challenge the continued disenfranchisement of women. Some of us live the values of this movement on a daily basis, positioning ourselves as allies who support, defend and elevate disempowered and marginalised women. IWD is a call for all of us to commit to this stance and together end sexism and gender-based discrimination. However, sometimes this can feel like an impossible task, especially when the world feels like it is becoming a more complex and frightening place.  

The good news is that we all have the power to drive change by committing to the following:   

Call in/Call out stereotypes  

Calling in refers to a one-on-one conversation that brings to their attention a group’s harmful words or behaviour. Calling out brings those attitudes to the public’s attention. Take it upon yourself to stop the perpetuation of negative stereotypes by offering corrections and promoting compassion towards others. 

Say to others: “I need you to know how that comment landed on me.” 

Ask: “how might someone else see this differently?”  

Challenge discrimination 

Adopt a stance of allyship and seek out other allies. Challenging discriminatory behaviour requires patience and understanding. Allies are upstanders who speak up when they witness harm or injustice. Allies are individuals who understand their own privilege and who deploy it to claim justice for those who are less privileged.   

Discuss with others whether the impact of their behaviour matches their intent. Be prepared to speak up: “I need to push back against this. I disagree with what you are doing. It is discriminatory and harmful.” 

Question bias 

Start by acknowledging your own biases and understand how they impact your actions. When you witness gender-based bias speak up. Call it out for what it is then offer active solutions to remedy it: for example, you can become a mentor or a sponsor for women who are excluded from professional or social circles. Promote equity as a tool for achieving equality. Equitable treatment advocates for those who have been historically disadvantaged to such an extent that the very fabric of their social or professional environment impedes their success.    

Celebrate women’s success  

Identify success and celebrate it, recognising that in many social and professional settings, the idea of success has been historically shaped by those who have occupied positions of privilege. Success manifests in various forms ranging from the deeply personal to the global. Make a point of celebrating the achievements of women who are otherwise overlooked due to their social status, their age, their race or other factors. These celebrations elevate every woman because they foreground the power and capabilities of our gender.   

The less certain the world feels, the more important it is that we remain steadfast in our commitment to each of the above – global events always have a disproportionate impact on those most disadvantaged in the first place. However, we all have a responsibility to use the power we do have to drive the change we wish to see.