International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time to celebrate the achievements of women all over the world, in all sectors and walks of life. In the past century, we have witnessed a global call to action for women’s rights. Although significant progress has been achieved, each year we are reminded of the work to be done so that we continue to empower women and ensure we can thrive as equal members of society.
2024’s IWD theme is to inspire inclusion. This requires embracing diversity in all forms and promoting practices that foster belonging for everyone.
Each year since 2015, LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Company have published a comprehensive report on the state of women in the workplace. Key findings from 2023 show that women continue to experience microaggressions at a significantly higher rate than men and may
Struggle to feel psychologically safe or hide important aspects of themselves.
Globally, women and girls are subject to unconscious biases which often have ripple effects on access to education, career development opportunities and compensation. Although these challenges persist, each individual should feel empowered to confront bias when they witness it, and to be part of the solution.
At Ultragenyx, our company goals, culture and, importantly, actions, foster inclusion and belonging across our global organization. These actions are numerous and include:
- Commitment to pay equity and annual equal pay audits
- Diversity related engagement scores built into corporate goals
- Disability-inclusive awareness and education
- Development workshops focused on unconscious bias and creating inclusive workspaces
- Featured guest speakers on equality and inclusion
- Emerging talent programs focused on under-represented high school students
- External partnerships with National Sales Network and the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science, to support diversity early in career opportunities
- Annual internal employee recognition award for diversity and inclusion, and
- Ongoing engagement and events driven by through our internal Employee Resource Group (ERGs)
It is thus no surprise that women comprise just over half of our employees, including people in management positions.
We live in a time where there are more resources than ever before to address issues of gender inequality in the workplace. If we continue to build on our prior gains, we have the power to establish sustained change for the future. In the sage words of Gloria Steinem,
The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.
Let us heed this call to action. As you take time to celebrate women’s achievements today (and every day), think of how you can inspire inclusive practices for all!
#IWD2024 #InspireInclusion
