This International Women’s Day I’m taking some time to reflect on how incredibly lucky I am to be surrounded by a network of smart, supportive, sympathetic women, who help me navigate life as a wife, mother, friend, colleague and person trying to live well with Parkinson’s.
I don’t know what I’d do without their support, advice and encouragement. Every day I benefit in some way from their wisdom and care.
To me, having to leave behind this network is unthinkable. But for thousands of women displaced by war or natural disaster, or simply seeking a better life for themselves and their families, this is the reality.
And it’s not just displaced women living without that network of allies and peers to support them. Young women everywhere on low or no pay are struggling to progress their careers and make their voices heard.
Young women - especially working class young women, young women of colour and those with disabilities - face inequalities in relation to finances, employment and unpaid work. They are facing a huge income gap. They take home 1/5th less income than young men per year. This income gap kicks in early and grows over their lifetime. The pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have made things worse.
That’s why the work of Young Women's Trust is so important. Deloitte is proud to support their work to champion women on low or no pay, bringing together thousands of young women to support each other and build their self-belief.
Women like Hend, the star of our video celebrating our partnership with Young Women’s Trust. Hend left behind her network and her life in Sudan, and since arriving in the UK, has dedicated herself to empowering and supporting other women.
With passionate women like Hend, supported by inspirational charities like Young Women’s Trust, there is hope for the future.
Who are the women you’re celebrating this International Women’s Day? Who gives you that hope for the future?
#5MillionFutures #IWD2024
For many women, financial inequality can take root early in their careers and can leave a lasting mark on their lives.
This International Women’s Day, discover how Deloitte UK and the Young Women's Trust are working to help women, like Hend, pursue fulfilling, well-paid careers — to build a more equitable future in the latest #WorldClass documentary: https://deloi.tt/49Cm6jS
#IWD2024 #IWDatDeloitte #5MillionFutures #InspireInclusion
This is great 👏