Why Gender Equity Remains a Challenge in the Workplace and Society
Every March 8th, International Women’s Day is observed — a key moment to reflect on the role of women in society, the progress achieved, and, above all, the gaps that still remain. In an increasingly complex social and economic context, gender equity continues to be a structural challenge that calls on both public institutions and the business sector.
Gender inequality manifests itself in many ways: from unequal access to education and the digital divide — particularly in STEM fields — to the gender pay gap, the glass ceiling, and the disproportionate burden of care work that still largely falls on women. Added to this is the impact of digital transformation, which risks reproducing or even amplifying past biases if diverse perspectives are not incorporated into the design of future solutions.
In this context, companies have a key role to play. Beyond internal policies, they can actively contribute to raising awareness, mobilising talent and driving real change through initiatives with social impact. Corporate volunteering has therefore become a strategic tool for advancing gender equity, connecting people’s commitment with the needs of their communities.
5 Corporate Volunteering Initiatives to Drive Gender Equity
1. Awareness and Sensitisation Workshops
What is not understood cannot be changed. Creating learning spaces to address topics such as unconscious bias, the gender pay gap, shared responsibility for care work or equal opportunities helps spark essential conversations and lays the groundwork for sustainable cultural change.
2. Supporting Women’s Entrepreneurship
Through pro bono volunteering, professionals from areas such as legal, finance or human resources can provide guidance and support to organisations working with women entrepreneurs. These initiatives strengthen economic autonomy, confidence and the long-term sustainability of women-led projects.
3. Promoting STEM Vocations to Reduce the Digital Divide
Organising inspirational talks and digital skills workshops led by women volunteers in schools located in vulnerable contexts helps challenge stereotypes from an early age. It also provides relatable role models who broaden the range of opportunities for girls and young women.
4. Improving Employability for Women in Vulnerable Contexts
Creating spaces where women seeking employment can practise job interviews with company volunteers is a high-impact action. These dynamics build self-confidence, provide direct feedback and facilitate access to key tools for labour market inclusion.
5. Gender-Focused Job Shadowing
Inviting students who are finishing secondary education to spend a full working day alongside women professionals helps make female role models visible across different sectors. This experience allows young people to ask questions, explore careers first-hand and make more informed, stereotype-free educational choices.
Design Your Corporate Volunteering Action for 8M and Beyond
Each of these actions can be adapted to your company’s context and to the goals of your corporate volunteering programme. If you are looking for more inspiration, you can also explore our 5 tips to celebrate International Women’s Day.
At Volies, we are convinced — and we have seen it first-hand — that when corporate volunteering is designed with intention and a gender perspective, it becomes a powerful driver of social change, benefiting both volunteers and the communities they support.
If your organisation wants to drive gender equity beyond 8M, Volies can support you in designing your corporate volunteering action.
