Sunday 8 March 2026 marks International Women’s Day (IWD). Now you might think IWD is a relatively new date in the calendar, but you’d be wrong. IWD goes back to 1911 when over one million women (and men) took part in rallies to campaign for women’s right to train, work, vote, hold public office and end discrimination. Fast forward 115 years and many of the goals of the first IWD have been achieved. After all, women around the world (for the most part) are able to train, work, vote and hold public office. Job done then? Sadly not, for there is still much work to do to consign discrimination to the history books once and for all—think gender pay and pension gaps. IWD is still very much relevant and needed today.
Give to gain
Centred around the power of reciprocity and support, the theme of this year’s IWD is “Give to Gain”. Reciprocity and support come in many shapes and forms from monetary donations to being generous with one’s time to train and mentor others, share knowledge, resources, and infrastructure, and to raise awareness so that gender equality can be brought a step closer.
Embracing the campaign theme of reciprocity and support, Quilter Cheviot has worked in collaboration with Essex-based financial services company, The Brightstar Group, to reflect on the actions that both organisations are taking to support gender parity and build awareness around this issue within our businesses, communities and wider society.
Within our businesses
At Quilter Cheviot, we’ve long recognised that women, specifically their financial futures face a number of structural challenges. We see first-hand how factors such as the gender pensions gap, the motherhood penalty, differing investment behaviours, and greater longevity continue to affect the long-term financial outcomes for women. And because these are long-standing issues, we believe they can only be fully addressed by generating greater awareness, through targeted education, and by providing sustained support for women at every life stage.
Similarly, The Brightstar Group has supported women within its business through embracing a people development culture. The acceleration of women’s careers is expedited through training programmes such as Women into Management, qualifications programmes, participation in the Top Gun Academy as well as through role modelling and mentoring. Women are also supported through life-changing events such as divorce, menopause, parenthood and bereavement, all of which can have profound financial consequences. A few generations ago, women were faced with limited options. Today, by holding round table events and workshops, walking and talking groups and having a team of Mental Health First Aiders, financial independence and control can be fostered for women in the business.
Within our communities
Quilter Cheviot actively encourages women to embark on careers within the investment industry. Our education initiatives include school outreach and office-based sessions that aim to inspire more girls to consider careers in investment management, an industry where men still account for the majority.
The Brightstar Group too supports women in the community and wider society through community volunteering and projects, through charitable efforts and by working in close partnership with schools, sports clubs and local organisations. Strong partnerships have also been formed with local schools and sports clubs to encourage young people and particularly young women into the mortgage industry. And through the Young Learners Programme, the company provides work placements, internships and apprenticeships.
Within wider society
Quilter Cheviot takes an active role in advocating change at the societal level. Through our participation in Women & Wealth Network discussions and initiatives such as the Little Pink Book we can challenge assumptions and improve understanding of women’s financial needs. And where Quilter Cheviot can, we will use surveys and research to test and rethink what is traditionally believed about women and wealth.
Meanwhile, members of The Brightstar Group regularly speak at and participate in events such as the Empowering Women Conference, Moving Forwards, Specialist Lending EXPO, school careers events as well as International Women’s Day events such as Inspire 50. They also provide regular commentary, press activity and social media posts to build awareness and highlight issues.
We also play our part in encouraging cultural change through collaboration. The Brightstar Group, for example, have long been signatories to HM Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter which aims to build a more balanced and fair industry. They support the Charter’s aspiration to see gender balance at all levels across financial services firms, regularly hosting events and leading the charge to encourage further signatories.
And arguably there’s no better way of advocating for gender equality than by setting an example. At Quilter Cheviot, we are proud that women head functions that are critical to what we do and are key to the ongoing success we enjoy–both our Chief Investment Officer and Head of Equity Research are women. Something you’d be hard pressed to find within our industry just a few years ago. At The Brightstar Group, women are represented at all levels of the business, including in the most senior roles of Chief People Officer, Group Head of Sales, Group Head of Sales Support and Group Head of Data Analysis.
Financial freedom as empowerment
Helping women gain and retain control over their finances is central to long-term security, resilience, and personal freedom. But here’s the thing. It is not just women who stand to gain. Empowering women benefits not only individuals, but also families, businesses, and society as a whole. So IWD’s ‘Give to gain’ call to action is not limited to women but includes men too. For even though we’ve come a long way in 115 years, there is still much work to be done. If we all embrace ‘Give to gain’, we can each do our bit to ensure that it won’t take another 115 years before gender equality is finally achieved.