Will you stand up for human rights?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70 tomorrow. It's exceptional, really, that seven decades have passed since this document proclaimed the inalienable rights we're all entitled to as human beings – regardless of sex, race, colour, origin, religion, property or politics. Available in more than 500 languages, the Declaration is the world's most translated document. 

Yet, despite time and translation, it's promise remains unfulfilled. In a time in which we face ongoing division and distrust, the values of equality, dignity and justice must be revered as never before.

This obligation informs everything we do. 

The Grace Paper - Issue 2

Recently launched, and now available to you to download, this issue of The Grace Paper comes hot on the heels of an unprecedented global movement for women's rights, equality and justice. Throughout it, we share the stories that fill us with hope and optimism that justice in the form of gender equality can not only be achieved in our lifetime, but will bring about sustained change. 

More than ever, we see women working as a collective, increasingly supporting each other, celebrating each other's success, and raising each other up. But we are also seeing men more than ever listening to the voices of women, stepping up as allies and increasingly using their power and privilege to tackle the systemic biases in our workplaces that have for so long prevented all women from rising. 

Of course, the data shows that while there is progress - the gender pay gap is closing, and we've seen a higher proportion of women returning to work after parental leave to the same responsibilities - we've still got a long way to go... 

Tomorrow also brings to an end 16 days of action to end violence against women. It is a combination of impunity, silence and stigma that has allowed violence against women to escalate to pandemic proportions — one in three women worldwide experience gender-based violence. Gender-based violence that we know is preventable; gender inequality is the core of the problem and it is the heart of the solution. Its past time for all of us to use our #orangecard and speak up. 

Our mission

Grace Papers is on a mission to reshape workplaces to reflect these core principles of dignity, equality & justice. And at the heart of this is building cultures that enable gender equity. Collaborating with organisations around parental leave and flexibility – and through our platform and publication, career coaching, compliance and strategy support, and advocacy for gender equity - we challenge cultural norms around career and care so that all people might lead personally and professional fulfilling lives.

On Human Rights Day - and every day - let us remember that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. And so as you enjoy this edition, we hope that it nourishes you with further education about the gender inequities that still exist, that it inspires you to exercise your freedoms and advocate for change, and that it challenges you to be more inclusive in your own life.

We invite you to stand up with us.

Stand Up With Grace Papers