Accelerate Action: Turning commitment into change

This year the theme of International Women’s Day (IWD), which takes place on 8 March, is ‘Accelerate Action’. The theme serves as a reminder that more can be done to intensify efforts to advance gender equality. 

At CGI in the UK, we believe that meaningful change requires commitment and decisive action. Every organisation should support IWD’s ambition to break down barriers, challenge biases, and create tangible opportunities for everyone to thrive - at school, in the workplace, and in society. 

How CGI in the UK is supporting International Women’s Day

Organisations must go beyond pledges to drive lasting transformation. CGI in the UK is fully committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion (DE&I) and these are embedded in our culture. We recognise that fostering an inclusive environment enriches our organisation, fuels innovation, improves decision-making, enhances working conditions, and strengthens the services we provide to clients. 

Our focus remains on attracting, developing, and retaining diverse talent. We want to ensure that women, and every individual, have equal access to opportunities at every stage of their career. Through our mentoring programmes and leadership initiatives, we support women in advancing their careers and progressing to senior roles. The CGI Partner-led (so-called because our staff are also shareholders) Women’s Network, provides a platform for mentorship, networking, and knowledge sharing, helping women grow and thrive. We continue to advocate for inclusive leadership across the technology sector and with our clients. 

Encouraging more young girls and women into STEM careers

Through our STEM outreach programmes, we aim to inspire young women to consider and pursue careers in STEM. We support their development from early education through to professional growth, providing training, apprenticeships, and reskilling opportunities. By creating clear pathways into the technology, we are working to improve female representation in an industry that still has significant gender gaps. 

Creating an inclusive workplace for everyone 

CGI in the UK is committed to ensuring all our Partners feel valued and supported. Our policies and initiatives, including flexible working arrangements, wellbeing programmes, and leadership support, help women and all employees balance success in their careers with a healthy work-life balance.
We foster a culture of inclusion through our Partner-led networks. Alongside the Women’s Network, LGBT+ Allies, Men’s Health, Neuroverse, Part-Time, and Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage (REACH) network. These communities provide advocacy, and space for colleagues to connect, share experiences, and drive meaningful change across our UK operations. 

This approach aligns with the 2025 IWD theme ‘Support the Supporters’ - recognising and amplifying the voices of those who champion gender equality, not only within CGI in the UK but also across our broader ecosystem of clients, Partners, shareholders, and the communities in which we live and work.

Join us in Accelerating Action

I encourage all CGI Partners in the UK, clients, shareholders and industry peers to join us in supporting the ambition to ‘Accelerate Action’ on 8 March. I’d love to see your pictures striking the #AccelerateAction pose, and I encourage you to share your IWD stories and activities that reflect how you’re supporting this year’s IWD.