Accelerate Action: Beyond the Grumbles, Beyond the Gaps 

This International Women’s Day, we’re not just acknowledging “Accelerate Action,” we’re demanding it. It’s not about polite nods to progress; it is about dismantling the systematic barriers that hold women back, both within the workplace and beyond.Because while we celebrate milestones like women opening bank accounts or leading change, we must ask: at what cost?

Let’s cut the chase: recent data from Candid’s “State of Diversity in the U.S. Nonprofit Sector” report paints a stark picture. Women, the backbone of civil society, are consistently underrepresented in leadership roles within larger organisations. From their sample of leaders, 62% identified as women and 38% as men. When further broken down, it showed that 62% of smaller nonprofits (expenses are under USD 50,000) are led by women, but that figure plummets to 46% for organisations with budgets exceeding USD 25 million. While Caribbean-specific data is scarce, glancing around any workshop or consultation confirms the same story, just a different backdrop.

And it is not just about leadership. As Dr. Sharilyn Hale astutely pointed out on my upcoming podcast, women are often expected to carry the weight of emotional care while receiving less financial compensation. This echoes my own experience, where pursuing social work was met with the dismissive thought that I had to marry rich or wait till retired to pursue doing good. It’s time to shatter the outdated image of civil society as a space of women begging for handouts. 

This sector is a powerhouse of job creation, driving economic growth, and empowering communities. It’s these organisations that provide back-to-school support, entrepreneurship training, and vital social services. But behind these visible programs are the women meticulously managing grants, advocating for policy changes, and bridging the gaps left by other sectors. They are potters shaping our communities, and they deserve to be rewarded for their invaluable contributions. 

“Accelerate Action” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a call to ensure women in civil society can afford to live and thrive. It’s about valuing their work not just with words but with equitable compensation that reflects their qualifications and dedication. It’s about recognising that investing in women is investing in the very heart of our communities. Let’s move beyond grumbles and data points. Let’s move towards tangible, transformative change.