International Women's Day - Break the bias

To commemorate International Women’s Day, we wanted to help spread the word about on this year’s theme “Break the Bias”, and why it is so important that opportunities are equal and free from discrimination or stereotypes for all genders.

Sadly, we do not need to look far to find examples where inequality is prevalent between genders. In just the medical arena alone, there are very real and evidenced examples of a gender bias across healthcare which includes a disbelief in women’s symptoms, gaps in medical research, and a lack of research and diagnoses for women (source: IWD: IWD 2022 campaign theme: #BreakTheBias)

Then if you consider the disparities which can be seen between genders professionally, educationally, within relationships and out in communities (to name a few), it can feel as though the gender inequality issue is too big to try and break.

Working within fostering, you may also see young women feeling even more disadvantaged as they are moving towards independence and face the different labels and misconceptions that can be associated with having been in the care system.

This year’s theme, “Break the Bias” shines a spotlight on inequality and invites us all to imagine a gender equal world.

It can be hard to see biases when they are so ingrained and systemic, and it can also seem like a massive undertaking to try and change things when biases happen every day in all arenas, and on a global scale.

But what we can do as human beings, and as members of society, is to be responsible for our own thoughts and actions and bring about change around us. If we each take a stand to break down and call out the biases we see in our homes, in our workplaces, in our children/young people’s schools or relationships we can all help shine a light on the biases and all work towards a reality where we live in a gender equal world. As we know, children/young people often learn by example, so in doing so, we can empower young women coming through care to be the best that they can and truly believe in themselves.

Imagine a gender equal world.

A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

Together we can forge women's equality.

Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

Blog by Referrals Coordinator, Deborah Harris.