When women come together to share experiences, amplify each other’s voices, and celebrate one another’s successes, incredible things happen. We don’t just create opportunities for ourselves, we create a ripple effect of change that lifts others with us.

This is exactly why I created The Impactful Community – a space for ambitious, values-driven businesswomen who want to make a real difference and be recognised for it. But this isn’t just about me. It’s about the bigger picture: the urgent need to create spaces where women can thrive.

The inequality women still face in business

Despite the progress we celebrate on International Women’s Day (8th March), the reality is that women in business still face significant inequities:

• Leadership gaps – women are underrepresented in decision-making roles across almost every industry. For every 100 men promoted to a managerial role in 2024, just 81 women achieved the equivalent status
• The pay gap – women in the UK still earn 13.1% less than men on average, and the gap widens as they move up the ladder
• Funding struggles – female-led businesses receive less than 2% of global venture capital investment, making it far harder for women to scale and grow

The problem isn’t ability. It’s access, visibility, and recognition. And that’s where community comes in.

Why women need this support more than men

Women in business face structural challenges, but also cultural ones:

• The confidence gap – studies show women are less likely to self-promote, even when their work is just as impactful
• Unpaid emotional labour – women are more likely to mentor, support, and uplift others while their own contributions go unrecognised
• The double bind – women leaders are judged differently: too soft if they collaborate, too aggressive if they assert themselves

This is why it’s not enough for women to simply ‘work harder’ or ‘put themselves out there’. They need spaces where they are actively encouraged to own their impact, advocate for themselves, and be celebrated.

Creating the spaces we need

The Impactful Community was built on this very idea. It’s a space where women can:

• Share their impact without hesitation or fear of judgement. Let’s end the era of feeling like we need to play small
• Support and amplify each other. Because when one of us rises, we all do – we can succeed BECAUSE our fellow women do, not despite their success
• Build confidence in a safe, empowering environment. A space where they can practice visibility and own their achievements

And this is exactly the kind of collective action International Women’s Day calls for. This is equity in action.

The bigger picture: a call to action

This isn’t just about one community; it’s about changing the narrative for women in business everywhere.

If you’re a woman who wants to be recognised for your impact, find a community that lifts you up. If you already have a platform, use it to amplify others. And if you’re in a position of influence, commit to making space for more women at the table.

Because when women support each other, we don’t just change our own careers – we change the future of business.

To find out more about The Impactful Community or to join us, visit https://go.racheldunfordconsulting.co.uk/impactful-community