International Women’s Day: Tackling Bias for a More Equitable Tomorrow

As International Women’s Day approaches, we reflect on what real rights, justice and action mean for women and girls everywhere. For organisations like Fleet Management, it’s also a moment to strengthen how we work together by valuing diverse perspectives and ensuring every colleague can contribute. This year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” highlights a simple truth: when we offer support, time or encouragement, we build stronger teams, fairer workplaces and brighter futures for all. 

‍

To bring the “Give To Gain” message to life, Fleet Management welcomed Dr Zoe Wyatt-Potage from Optum to host an interactive workshop on bias and how it shows up in everyday decisions. The session reinforced that progress begins with awareness and that when we take time to understand our own blind spots, we create stronger teams and more inclusive workplaces.

Why bias matters, and why we should care 

Bias is not a flaw in character, but a natural part of how our brains work. Our brains take mental shortcuts every day to help us make sense of the world quickly. Some traits we notice right away, others stay hidden. Some are things we are born with, others come from life experience.

Bias can shape how we understand facts and make decisions. When we form quick assumptions, we may close ourselves off to new ideas or different perspectives. Over time, this can influence choices without us even realising it. When we close the door to different views, we may also close the door to new ideas. That is not good for people or for the business.

Research shows how common these experiences can be. The OECD Global Experiences of Discrimination Report 2025 found that around 24% of workers worldwide report experiencing discrimination, with the workplace being one of the most common settings.

History also offers practical examples. In the past, many safety measures were designed around male body proportions, without considering women. Today, more inclusive thinking helps ensure systems work for everyone.

The hopeful part is that we do not have to stay stuck. Small choices we make together can open doors wider for all voices and create more equal chances all around.

Become aware, the first and most powerful step 

When we ease up on bias, good things happen. Diverse views help solve tough problems faster, spark fresh ideas, and make people feel they truly belong. For women in our field and beyond, that means more room to grow, lead, and shine. When fairness wins, we all win.

The easiest place to start is with ourselves. Pausing to notice our own bias is powerful. No fancy tools are needed, just a bit of honest thinking. Here is a quick exercise anyone can try this week: think about one thing you will stop doing, one thing you will start doing, and one thing you will continue doing. It only takes a few minutes, but it helps us see things more clearly and treat people more fairly.

Give support: mentor, ally, and raise others up 

From there, we can give support in simple ways. Offer to mentor someone, even if it is just a quick coffee chat. Be an ally by showing genuine care: sometimes just saying “What happens to you matters to me” changes how someone feels at work. Raise others up by sharing opportunities, speaking up for them in meetings, or giving credit where it is due. These are not extra tasks. They are how we live “Give To Gain” every day.

Practical steps to build an inclusive environment 

We can also build inclusion through everyday habits. Smile and say good morning. Listen without cutting in. Make sure everyone gets a chance to speak. Think about other viewpoints. Choose topics and places where people feel comfortable. Get involved in team moments. Be kind. Good manners go a long way. Little things like these turn good intentions into real respect and equality.

Our commitment

At Fleet Management, inclusion is not only about values. It also supports stronger collaboration, better decision making and safer operations across our global teams.

Research continues to show the impact of tackling bias in organisations. A global study covering 1.4 million participants across 33 countries found that explicit bias declined between 2009 and 2019, but implicit bias remains persistent and harder to address. This highlights why awareness and continued effort still matter in workplaces around the world.

By building awareness and encouraging open dialogue, we aim to create an environment where every colleague can contribute fully and where different perspectives strengthen how we work together.

Let us carry this forward, not just on March 8, but every day after. Together, we can turn simple awareness into real action and bias into true belonging.

Happy International Women’s Day!