Gender Equity Trends That Will Shape 2025

As we step into 2025, the world remains turbulent, with political challenges in Canada and the U.S., environmental crises like the Los Angeles wildfires, and economic uncertainty testing our resilience.

Yet, I’m choosing to look ahead with optimism.

I work closely with women leaders and corporate organizations, helping them implement gender-equitable practices and amplify their impact. In this role, I’m fortunate to witness the innovative shifts taking place in workplaces and boardrooms.

Here’s what I predict we will see more of in 2025—progressive changes that could reshape the landscape of gender equity and inspire lasting transformation in business and beyond.

1. Corporate Policies Addressing the '3Ms': Menstruation, Menopause, and Motherhood

Forward-thinking organizations are increasingly addressing historically taboo topics—the '3Ms' of menstruation, menopause, and motherhood—to better support employees.

• Menstruation: In Canada, federally regulated employers are now required to provide free menstrual products in the workplace, following a mandate implemented on December 15, 2023 (Government?of?Canada). This initiative enhances support for menstrual health and helps reduce the stigma surrounding periods in professional settings. More companies are now working on developing programs and policies that support women and help fight period stigma.
• Menopause: Menopause support policies are on the rise, with firms offering flexible schedules, wellness programs, and educational resources (Guardian).
• Motherhood: Enhanced maternity leave and robust parental benefits are helping working mothers thrive professionally (UNICEF). Organizations such as Vancouver-based Maturn , are helping organizations define programs that better support mothers in the workplace, with a positive impact observed by employers.

By addressing the 3Ms, organizations are breaking stigmas and fostering employee loyalty and productivity.

2. Women's Health Finally Getting the Investment It Deserves

The global market for women’s health is projected to reach $58 billion by 2030, with significant investments in solutions for endometriosis, menopause, and fertility challenges (Market?Research?Future).

Startups like Toronto-based?Maven Clinic?are raising record-breaking funding, signaling breakthroughs in care and innovation (Maven?Clinic), while CAMH is leading research around women's health through its womenmind initiative, chaired by Sandi Treliving .

3. Closing the Wealth Gap Through Financial Inclusion

The financial gender gap is narrowing as innovative platforms and policies address systemic barriers. Women-led investment funds, financial literacy programs, and gender-specific lending initiatives are empowering more women to build wealth.

BDC , under CEO Isabelle Hudon LL.D 's leadership, is empowering women entrepreneurs through initiatives like the $500 million Thrive Venture Fund and Lab for Women, helmed by Sevrine Labelle , which invests in women-led businesses, and the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan, offering up to $350,000 in affordable financing to businesses at least 51% women-owned. BDC also partners with organizations like the Women Presidents Organization to provide mentorship, networking, and resources, fostering growth and innovation among Canadian women in business.

Other financial institutions are also stepping up.?TD's Women in Enterprise?supports women entrepreneurs with tailored advice, mentorship, and solutions to scale their businesses, ensuring they have the tools to thrive.

Globally, organizations like?Female Invest are implementing strategies to improve women’s access to credit and capital, particularly in underserved communities (Female?Invest).

4. Equity in Artificial Intelligence

Recent studies have highlighted the persistent issue of gender bias in AI systems, particularly in recruitment processes. For instance, a 2024 study published in?Nature?found that AI hiring software inadvertently reinforces racial bias by favouring candidates whose resumes resemble those of historically overrepresented groups in a company.?(The Muse)

In response to these challenges, organizations are implementing measures to mitigate bias in AI. A 2024 article in?AI & Society?discusses various strategies to address gender bias in AI within healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of diverse development teams and bias detection tools.?(Springer)

These efforts aim to ensure that AI systems promote equity and do not perpetuate existing stereotypes.

5. Collaborative Efforts with Male Allies

Achieving gender equity necessitates the active participation of all genders. In my work with organizations, I’ve observed that male allies play a critical role in fostering trust, fairness, and a more inclusive workplace culture.

When men actively support their female colleagues—whether by mentoring, advocating for equitable policies, or challenging discriminatory behaviours—it creates a ripple effect that benefits the entire organization. Many companies are now equipping male leaders and employees with the tools to be effective allies, encouraging open conversations and shared accountability for inclusion.

This shift signals a growing recognition that allyship isn’t just a gesture—it’s a crucial strategy for dismantling systemic barriers and building workplaces where everyone can thrive.

6. The End of Imposter Syndrome

2025 marks a shift as more women embrace their expertise and reject the self-doubt that has long plagued their professional lives.

Women are recognizing that personal branding isn’t vanity—it’s strategy. Leaders are amplifying their voices through speaking engagements, content creation, and digital storytelling. Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram have become empowerment tools, where women share their stories unapologetically - as an example, I love referring to Bozoma Saint John 's authentic approach (LinkedIn).

Research shows that self-promotion positively impacts career trajectories, making it a vital part of women’s professional toolkit (Forbes).

7. Women Over 50: Hot, Visible, and Owning It

Hollywood is rewriting the narrative for women over 50, showcasing them as confident, complex, and desirable. This also means new opportunities for women in the media over the age of 50. Actresses like Demi Moore and Nicole Kidman are currently highlighting this shift, proving that women over 50 can not only secure lead roles but command the spotlight.

In?Babygirl, Nicole Kidman portrays Romy Mathis, a high-powered CEO, played by Harris Dickinson, who embarks on a passionate affair with her younger intern. Speaking about the role, Kidman said:

“It was really beautiful to be seen as a sexual being at 57” (People).

Demi Moore’s performance in?The Substance?has also garnered critical acclaim. Moore challenges stereotypes about aging women by playing Elisabeth Sparkle, a former A-lister reclaiming her life and identity. Upon receiving her first Golden Globe for the role, Moore reflected:

“I’ve been doing this a long time, over 45 years, and this is the first time I’ve ever won anything as an actor” (ABC?News).

8. Rethinking Leadership Styles: The Rise of Traditionally Feminine Skills

Leadership is evolving, with traditionally "feminine" skills like empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence taking center stage. Often associated with women, these soft skills were long dismissed as weaknesses in professional settings. For decades, women were told to suppress their emotional intelligence to fit into male-dominated workplaces, with advice to “toughen up” or act less emotionally.

Today, the narrative has shifted. Research highlights that emotionally intelligent leaders foster greater employee engagement, higher innovation, and stronger team cohesion (ScienceGate).

9. Financial Literacy for Women: Empowerment through Education

Financial literacy is a cornerstone of empowerment, enabling women to make informed decisions and achieve economic independence. Organizations like Denmark-based?Female Invest are at the forefront of this movement, offering affordable financial education tailored for women (Female?Invest).

Through subscription-based e-learning,?Female Invest?provides resources on personal finance and investing, aiming to close the gender investment gap.

10. Women Driving Political Change

In recent years, women have played a pivotal role in shaping election outcomes, demonstrating the power of their collective influence. The 2024 U.S. presidential election saw women voters significantly impact the results, highlighting the importance of their engagement in political decision-making.

Globally, more women are stepping into politics—whether as informed voters, advocates, or candidates—creating policies that address diverse needs.In Canada, organizations like Beyond a Ballot?are empowering women through education, workshops, and supportive communities.

This growing involvement is reshaping political landscapes and inspiring the next generation of women leaders to drive meaningful change.

From destigmatizing taboo topics to empowering women through visibility and allyship, 2025 promises to be a year of transformation.

These trends highlight a future where equity isn’t just a goal but a lived reality.