Discussions around gender equality take center stage every International Women’s Day, providing an opportunity to recognise advancements and highlight areas where change is still needed. Our latest insights explore the perceptions of Brits on progress, persistent challenges, and the role model who inspires them. To gain a deeper understanding, we surveyed a nationally representative sample of 510 people in the UK, uncovering gender and generational differences in attitudes and the most pressing issues women face today. Here’s what Brits think about the state of gender equality.
Where opinions divide and align
Men and women see the biggest challenges facing women differently. 32% of men believe violence and discrimination are the most pressing issues, while 30% of women say work-life balance pressures are the biggest concern. These contrasting views highlight the wide range of obstacles that impact gender equality.
One area where there is agreement is the role of equal pay transparency in advancing gender equality. 34% of Brits say that making salaries more transparent is the most effective way for companies to address inequality. With pay gaps persisting in many industries, greater transparency could be a significant step toward closing them.
Younger generations feel most strongly about IWD
88% of 18-34 year olds believe International Women’s Day plays a significant role in advancing gender equality, compared to 68% of those aged 35-54 and just 53% of those aged 55+. This generational gap suggests that younger people are more engaged with gender issues and see IWD as a catalyst for change.
While some strides have been made, many younger Brits feel there’s still a long way to go. In similarity to the above views, 51% of 18-34 year olds say there hasn’t been enough meaningful progress in gender equality over the past five years, compared to 47% of those aged 35-54 and 37% of those aged 55+. This trend indicates that younger generations not only place more value on International Women’s Day but also have greater expectations for change and a stronger desire to see faster progress.
Who is Britain’s most inspiring woman?
When asked to name the most inspirational woman of today, Catherine, Princess of Wales topped the list. As a global figure known for her advocacy in mental health, early childhood development, and charitable work, she continues to inspire Brits across generations.
These findings highlight both the progress made and the work still needed to achieve true gender equality. Younger generations are leading the charge in recognising the importance of International Women’s Day, but concerns over pay, work-life balance, and discrimination remain significant. As we observe this day, it’s clear that greater transparency, workplace policy changes, and continued advocacy will be crucial in closing the gender gap.
The infographic below represents key findings from our research:
