What does #BalanceforBetter Mean to Us?

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BalanceforBetter. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a collective one. Here at VV we are passionate about supporting making it a reality. Our VV team explain what #BalanceforBetter means to them and why it is important to help forge a more gender balanced world.

What does #BetterforBalance mean to you?

Gender balance means recognising both men and women can work alongside each other, in the same roles and achieve the same things. There should be no discrimination against any individual regardless of their gender.

Olivia, Analyst team

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For me, #BetterforBalance means confronting not only the sexist actions and intentions that are at the root of gender inequality but also pushing for positivity towards women.

Ash, Business Insight team

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Our perception of people must be based on their character, skills and morals, not something as arbitrary as their gender.

Adrian, Board member

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Gender equality is the state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation, decision making and the state of valuing different behaviours, aspirations and needs equally which is something VV promotes across all the offices.

Alex, Development team

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To be able to access the same opportunities no matter your gender. To have the same respect for knowledge and skills no matter your gender. To be treated on a level playing field no matter your gender .

Louise, Development team

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#BetterforBalance means embracing individuals. Looking beyond gender and the associated stereotypes and recognising people for their skills, strengths and uniqueness.

Sophie, Client Services team

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Gender balance is about recognising the skills, abilities and achievements of men, women, and those who identify differently and giving them an equal voice and equal consideration in all aspects of life. It’s about realising that each of us has something worthwhile to contribute to society, that individuals have talents beyond their perceived status and should be listened to and not raised above others or their contribution lessened simply because of gender bias. It’s about challenging your own judgements about people; analysing your own biases and trying to be a better person.

David, Development team

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Together we can help create a more balanced world if we think equal, innovate for change and take action for equality. The actions we commit to make #BalanceforBetter in 2019 are:

I will challenge those who are not committed to gender equality.

Chris, Business Development team

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Promote women’s equality.

Olivia, Analyst team

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I will encourage my children to understand the consequences of discrimination.

Sam, Client Services team

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I will talk about gender issues more openly and continue to fight gender stereotypes.

Nina, Marketing team

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I will help to forge a more gender balanced world by being confident in my decisions and believe that I can make a difference for the better. Best results come from diversity, we should not fear making an impact. We should encourage young people to be who they want to be without being afraid of old notions of what is the correct behaviour, job or interest for them. We need to speak up and actively challenge believes around gender.

Emma, Research team

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I will strive to break down gender stereotypes by being a successful female STEM Ambassador and demonstrating to young people that there’s no such thing as a male or female role.

Natasha, Development team