Paula McGovern: Put down the cupcakes — women in business are still far from equal

International Women's Day in many workplaces is marked by celebration but little to challenge an entire business ecosystem that's designed for men, writes Paula McGovern

Paula McGovern of Wizard and Grace candles: 'A pink cupcake, a motivational quote on a screen, a female-led lunchtime panel, a LinkedIn post about inspiring women. Then the cake crumbs will be swept up and International Women’s Day will be packed away for another year.' File picture

Somewhere in an office in Ireland this week, there will be at least one of the following: A pink cupcake, a motivational quote on a screen, a female-led lunchtime panel, a LinkedIn post about inspiring women. Then the cake crumbs will be swept up and International Women’s Day will be packed away for another year.

International Women’s Day — born out of protest strikes and marches demanding equality — has been smoothed into something palatable and safe. A celebration rather than a reckoning. Something that does not discomfort the structures it was meant to challenge.