Choose to challenge: the campaign theme for 2021’s International Women’s Day (IWD) is a fitting reminder as we put the year of unprecedented changes behind us and look forward to a brave new world full of possibilities and transformation. As we continue into 2021, we should not forget the importance of IWD and how, as future business leaders, we can work towards achieving gender equality and parity.

It is worthwhile to note that progress has been made in creating a more inclusive and equal workplace for women. Even though the gender gap is still wide, more and more women are speaking out, challenging the norms, utilizing their platforms to raise awareness, and mobilizing for a transformative future. “A challenged world is an alert world” is IWD’s reflection for 2021 – and we can see the effect of how, when challenged, companies have risen to take ownership and make changes in their policies and practices.

We have listed a few Canadian companies that have solidified their efforts to reduce gender inequality and build a more inclusive work environment by making cultural and organizational changes, providing educational opportunities for women employees, and working to eliminate the gender pay gap.

HCL Technologies

HCL Technologies is a leading global IT services company that helps global enterprises re-imagine and transform their businesses through digital technology transformation. HCL has been an active proponent of gender parity for several years now. Their company is structured in a way that facilitates gender-equal workspaces, and they have a number of key programs in place that promote strong career development for women. For example, their award-winning “Senior women managers” program enables women to continue learning in their role through mentoring and coaching, skill enhancement, and blended learning styles. This year, for the fourth year in a row HCL has partnered with International Women’s Day to help progress IWD’s mission of women in technology and women in sport.

Medtronic Canada

Medtronic is a global leader in medical technology. They strive to improve women’s health, by making medical treatment more inclusive for all women and building a diverse and inclusive workforce where women can thrive. In 2019, Medtronic achieved a whopping 99% gender pay equity globally, and a major theme of their mission statement is to promote women in leadership positions. They also offer a variety of development programs for managers in order to encourage accountability and support the growth of female leaders. This year, Medtronic is partnering with International Women’s Day to promote women’s health and help them realize their own power to make informed decisions about their health.

Unilever

Unilever is one of the world’s largest producers of a variety of household products. They have more than 155,000 employees in more than 100 countries, their products are in 7 out of 10 households across the globe, and they are using their influence to challenge social norms and drive change towards gender equality and women’s empowerment, by advocating for and promoting business partners and developing sustainable brands that progress gender equality and women’s empowerment. Companies who carry their products, employees who sell their products, and customers who use their products all stand to benefit through Unilever’s philosophy of inclusion.

This article only features three of the many companies that place gender discrimination as a priority, and there are many others. The initiatives by these companies aim to not only improve workplace conditions for the next workforce generation, but also increases their bottom line.

As you plan your career, think about the companies you want to work for and the values that you want to represent. Consider and reflect upon the companies you already follow – how do they promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace? Let’s challenge the world and work towards creating an equal world.