International Women’s Day: A Moment of Recognition
“International Women’s Day is both a moment of recognition and a reminder of shared responsibility,” stated a representative from FORVIA. This sentiment encapsulates the essence of International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8. The day honors the achievements of women worldwide while highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
A Historical Perspective
The roots of Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, a time when women were actively campaigning for better working conditions, voting rights, and equal pay. The first National Women’s Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28, 1909, marking the beginning of a movement that would grow into a global observance. The idea for International Women’s Day was proposed in 1910 by German women’s rights activist Clara Zetkin, leading to the first official celebration in 1911.
UN Sponsorship and Modern Developments
Since 1975, the United Nations has sponsored International Women’s Day, reinforcing its significance on the global stage. The theme for IWD 2026 is #GiveToGain, focusing on driving gender equality through collective action. This theme encourages individuals and organizations to engage in meaningful conversations and actions that promote gender parity.
Current Challenges and Progress
Despite progress, challenges remain. In 2025, the median gender pay gap for full-time employees in the UK was reported at 6.9%. Furthermore, only 14% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UK were female-led in 2024, a decrease of 1% from the previous year. These statistics underscore the need for continued advocacy and action to support women in the workforce.
FORVIA’s Commitment to Gender Equality
FORVIA has made significant strides in promoting gender equality within its ranks. As of 2025, women represented more than 28% of the Top 300 at FORVIA, a notable increase from just 13% in 2018. The company aims to achieve 30% women in the Top 300 and 35% among managers and skilled professionals by 2030. “Supporting spaces like this matters to us because it helps create opportunities for learning, visibility and shared experience beyond internal conversations,” said Judit Mora, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts.
Addressing Discrimination
In 2025, 15% of women reported feeling discriminated against due to their gender, compared to 8.5% of men. This disparity highlights the ongoing issues that women face in various sectors. Elena Davidson, a representative from FORVIA, stated, “We are proud supporters of the Working for Change programme, which sees us actively contribute hours of support and expertise to women-led businesses and NGOs that are driving gender equality.” This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
Looking Ahead
As International Women’s Day approaches in 2026, the focus remains on collective action and the shared responsibility of all individuals to advocate for gender equality. The journey towards equality is ongoing, and the call to action is clear: everyone has a role to play in creating a more equitable world for women.