In recent years, the landscape for women’s rights has become increasingly complex and fraught with challenges. Women are being attacked on multiple fronts, facing assaults on bodily autonomy, insufficient action on domestic and family violence (DFV) and intimate partner violence (IPV), and a broader societal struggle to maintain the definition and identity of what it means to be a woman. This multifaceted attack on women’s rights is not just a social and cultural issue; it has deep implications for workplaces and organisations that need to be understood and addressed.
Assault on Bodily Autonomy
The fight for bodily autonomy has always been central to women’s rights, but in recent times, it has faced renewed challenges. Legislative and social shifts have brought about an environment where fundamental rights over our bodies are under siege. The powerful call of “Your body, my choice” continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of safeguarding personal agency. However, as reproductive rights face pushback in many places, the message is clear: women’s control over their own bodies is still up for debate.
Lack of Action on Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
While awareness of DFV and IPV has grown, tangible action and sufficient policy implementation often lag behind. The statistics are alarming: countless women face violence at home or within relationships, and many suffer in silence due to inadequate support structures. This lack of progress not only leaves victims vulnerable but perpetuates a cycle where these issues remain hidden in the shadows, exacerbated by societal and institutional inaction. For workplaces, this is a critical area where increased awareness and proactive measures are essential to supporting affected employees.
Women’s Lack of Safety
A pervasive and persistent issue is the lack of safety that women experience in various aspects of their lives. Whether it’s walking alone at night, navigating public spaces, or facing unsafe conditions in their own homes, women are frequently forced to prioritise personal safety over freedom and peace of mind. This lack of safety extends into the workplace, where harassment, discrimination, and insufficient protection measures contribute to an environment of anxiety and vulnerability. For many women, this constant state of alertness and risk impacts their ability to fully engage and thrive both professionally and personally. Addressing and improving women’s safety isn’t just a social imperative—it’s essential for building workplaces that foster trust, productivity, and genuine equality.
The Co-opting of Womanhood
At the same time, there is an ongoing debate around the definition of what it means to be a woman. This debate is complex, involving cultural, social, and political dynamics that intersect with the broader push for inclusivity and equity. However, for many women, this conversation has turned contentious, leading to accusations of hate speech or being labeled transphobic for merely defending the definition of womanhood as they understand it. This divisive atmosphere can make it difficult to have honest, open conversations, further complicating progress toward genuine gender equality.
The Business Impact: Why This Matters for Workplaces
These issues are not isolated from the workplace. Organisations need to recognise that the struggles women face—whether in terms of bodily autonomy, violence, or identity—carry over into the professional world. A workplace culture that fails to address these pressing concerns risks becoming a breeding ground for discontent, stress, and reduced productivity. When women do not feel safe, respected, or supported, it impacts not only their well-being but also their engagement and contribution to the organisation.
Workplaces must be proactive in understanding these challenges and fostering a culture that supports open dialogue, mutual respect, and a strong commitment to safety and inclusivity. Failure to do so could lead to higher turnover rates, reputational damage, and a significant impact on employee morale. The importance of psychosocial safety in the workplace cannot be overstated, especially as these societal issues become more pronounced.
A Call to Action
Now, more than ever, we need to stand together to advocate for women’s rights and safety, both in society and within the workplace. Businesses have a role to play in supporting women through clear policies, proactive action, and an understanding of the unique challenges they face. It is time for organisations to get ahead of the curve and ensure they are fostering environments that are not only compliant but truly supportive and empowering for all employees.
In this fight, staying silent or complacent is not an option. We must push for change, support women on every front, and build a future where respect, safety, and equity are the norms, not the exceptions.
