Run annually on 8 March, the International Women's Day (IWD) marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. In 2021, the theme was #ChooseToChallenge.

 

A challenged world is an alert world, and from challenge comes #Change. Individually, we are all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequity. We can choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. 

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Gender equality matters

 

The business case for gender diversity is clear: companies with a balanced women representation in senior management positions are more competitive, innovative, and profitable. According to International Labour Organization (ILO)[1], companies with equal employment opportunity policies and gender-inclusive cultures are 60% more likely to experience enhanced reputation, greater creativity and innovation, and profit increase. At the same time, increasing the representation of women at the senior level and in leadership teams helps businesses be more sustainable, as they tend to give higher priority to environmental and social issues[2].

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In the aviation & logistics sectors and within the air cargo industry in particular, we still have very few women at the top, in the boardrooms, speaking at conferences and online events, and even attending these events. 

 

Visibility is key for role models in the public space and the workplace, and women’s distinct and expert voices must be elevated through gender parity. Diverse points of view generate sustainable, innovative solutions, and lead to a change in culture; while visible role models contribute to attract and retain the best talents. 

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[1] ‘The business case for change’ report published in 2019 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), covering 13,000 firms 

[2] ‘Better business, better world’ report published in 2017 by the Business & Sustainable Development Commission

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Choose to challenge and commit to change

 

Sustainability, diversity and inclusion being at the core of our values, Change Horizon and Meantime Communications are joining forces to launch the Women in Aviation and Logistics Pledge to mobilize the industry and drive a concerted and measurable action towards gender equality. 

 

We believe there is a role for everyone within the aviation & logistics sectors to enact positive change for equality and we call all industry associations, companies, academia, and individuals to join us in leading the change by signing up to the Women in Aviation and Logistics Pledge.

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By signing up to the pledge today, you are committing to: 

 

• Join the conversation and work together with the other signatories to define the industry targets and action plan needed to achieve gender equality in aviation & logistics sectors

• Act as an advocate for change within the aviation & logistics sectors

• Make a difference for gender equality and broader diversity within your industry and organisation

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Specifically, Change Horizon's team is volunteering to build a searchable and free database of women speakers in aviation and logistics sectors to help event organizers to organize more diverse panels. Meantime Communications commits to being part of the push to make it happen with communication and awareness raising activities.

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And we call for all businesses, trade associations, academia, and individual professionals in air cargo to join the conversation and the initiative to:

 

• Celebrate women's achievements and increase women's visibility within the aviation & logistics sectors

• Set-up forums at global, local and company levels to share facts, best practices, and ideas for all to use and implement

• Mobilize the aviation & logistics sectors on gender equality: collecting facts, raising awareness on current gaps, opening healthy debates, and choosing to challenge the status quo

• Promote gender balance at all levels across the aviation & logistics sectors and tackle the gender pay gap and other inequalities that still affect all women in the industry today

• Achieve gender equality in senior ranks of the industry and amongst those with a leadership role and make drastic progress towards broader diversity & inclusion metrics across the aviation & logistics sectors

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