Celebrating IWD at TP ICAP

March 8 represents a special day globally, marking the celebration of International Women’s Day. It is a call to action to accelerate gender parity and recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The day has been marked in diaries for well over a century now, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Today, IWD is a global collective and its importance is as stark as it was back in the early 20th century.

#breakthebias

This year’s IWD theme is ‘Break The Bias’. But what does this mean? It is a movement that we support here at TP ICAP to not just imagine a gender equal world but make it a reality. If all areas of society play their part to #breakthebias, we can all benefit from a world that is free of bias, stereotypes, discrimination - where diversity in our communities and workplaces is valued and celebrated. Whether it occurs deliberately or unconsciously, bias makes it difficult for women to progress and fulfil their potential. Simply acknowledging that bias exists isn’t enough; action is needed to level the playing field.

So why is it so important we shift the current landscape? There is still a huge gulf in gender parity in nations across the globe. A World Economic Forum study last year actually found that the global gender gap has increased by a generation from 99.5 years to 135.6 years. We have also seen halted progression in the UK, with The Guardian reporting the gender pay gap reported by Britain’s biggest firms is widening. Women are being paid a median hourly rate 10.2% less than their male counterparts, nearly a percentage point higher than the 9.3% gap reported in 2018.

With these disappointing stats in mind, it is only right that celebrating International Women’s Day is part of TP ICAP’s agenda - putting gender diversity front and centre.

What we’re doing at TP ICAP

Here at TP ICAP we are committed to ensuring our work environment globally is an inclusive place to flourish. All of our employees – regardless of their gender, educational background, ethnicity, ability, age or sexual orientation – are owed an equal opportunity to succeed.

Since signing the Women In Finance Charter in September 2018, we have made significant improvements on gender balance at all levels of our organisation. As of September last year, we beat our target to see 25% senior women in the business by 2025. But there is more we can do and will do to secure future growth by building diversity into our succession pipeline.

In February, we launched the Women in Leadership Programme. Designed to have impact by giving all our women the tools and skills to boost and inspire career growth. All staff are encouraged to join the sessions – held throughout 2022 -  to get expert advice, knowledge and skills.

TP Accord – driving positive change

Our wider employee network, collectively known as TP ICAP Accord, supports our drive to improve diversity & inclusion across the business. It is another avenue for all staff to promote positive change within our employee groups in LGBTQ+, Multicultural, Sports & Wellbeing, Veterans’ and Women’s Networks. These networks have a combined aim to unite our employees, to celebrate our diverse workforce and to collaborate on areas of common interest.

As we celebrate what I hope is an impactful and landmark IWD, I encourage everyone to explore ways in which they can get involved and make our communities a more inclusive place for all.

Thank you.

Philip Price,

Group General Counsel, TP ICAP