Celebrated for over 100 years, IWD exists to raise awareness of discrimination against women and to help build gender parity, with this year’s theme ‘#AccelerateAction’ aiming to pick up the pace of progress.

Within the print industry, change has been historically slow to come – but over the past 5-10 years significant progress has been made, according to Karly Lattimore, managing director of BPIF Training.

She told Printweek: “The future is promising. There is more awareness, more role models, and more companies actively working towards inclusion.

“There’s been real progress in recognising and promoting the role of women in print, but there’s still work to do. Recently, I’ve seen more women stepping into leadership roles, gaining visibility, and challenging the perception that print is a male-dominated sector. 

“Networks and initiatives supporting women in print have grown, which has helped create more opportunities. However, barriers still exist, particularly in technical and production roles where women remain underrepresented.”

Jenny Hodson, director at Cambridgeshire exhibition and display firm GH Display, has also seen the positive impact that support networks have had, particularly in the events side of the trade.

She told Printweek: “There is much more awareness around supporting women in the events industry to what there was 10 years ago. 

“The fact that there are a few different associations committed to driving opportunities for women, such as NOWIE and Women in Exhibitions UK, speaks volumes. Much of this is centred around women supporting other women, which is fantastic to see.”

While progress has been strong, the trade must keep it up, according to Holly Hunter, head of social value and marketing at Nuneaton Signs, a social enterprise set up to support employment for disabled people.

She told Printweek: “Since Covid, we’ve seen huge steps in work life balance being recognised, flexible working has improved, and the ability to work from home has empowered not just women, but everyone, though I think the significant impact this has had on women should be noted. 

“I think there’s still a way to go, not in our business as we are inclusive from day dot, but in the working world to grow out of outdated issues such as gender pay gaps and the enablement of the ‘glass ceiling’ effect. 

“But the working culture seems to be moving in the right direction, so as long as everyone remains united in the front that change still needs to happen, I think we’ll get there in years to come based on the change we’ve seen over the last few years alone.”

Leaders can make a huge difference within their organisation, whether through actively seeking out new voices around the table, or offering tailored support, Lattimore added.

She said: “Firstly, representation matters, actively promoting and supporting women into leadership and technical roles makes a difference.

“Secondly, flexibility is key and offering career pathways that accommodate different needs will help attract and retain more women. Most of all, create a workplace where women feel valued and included. Change won’t happen overnight, but small, consistent steps make a big difference.”

Hunter added that by embedding inclusivity into an organisation’s core values, leaders would make real gains towards a stronger, more diverse team.

Leaders, she said, need to be open, honest and educated.

“That doesn’t just apply to the support and employment of women, but for everyone [who needs it]. 

“If you truly care about your team and want them to thrive, then there has to be an element of understanding and trust. It should be okay to go to your manager and discuss how you’re struggling because of your symptoms of the menopause, and your business should actively engage in the education of this for team members, similarly with issues around menstruation. 

“Every woman will experience this at some point in their lives, so why wouldn’t there be the same level of education as there is for a company eye test?”

As part of the IWD celebration, Girls Who Print is hosting an International Women’s Day Conference today (7 March), from 8am to 3pm ET (1pm to 8pm GMT).

The free virtual event has brought together industry leaders, advocates, and community members to discuss women in the workplace, strategies for forging successful careers in print, securing supportive male allies, and best ways to empower the next generation.

PermaJet, meanwhile, has launched 'A Celebration of Women in Print', a campaign dedicated to recognising and amplifying the voices of women in the print industry. It said this initiative would shine a spotlight on the women who shape the way people connect and profit through print media.

“The world of print and photography are historically male-dominated industries, with women often facing barriers to entry and less recognition for their contributions,” said Charlie Kelsall, PermaJet social strategy manager.

“However, we are witnessing a wave of female-led initiatives that are actively encouraging and empowering women to enter and thrive in these fields.”

For International Women’s Day, PermaJet said it aimed to highlight and celebrate this progress, not only because it was crucial for fostering a more inclusive and diverse future, but because the unique perspectives women bring to these industries enrich the stories told and the work created.