Gender discrimination is rife in the UK workforce. Over half of us have been on the receiving end of sexual harassment, we're 15% less likely to be promoted on the basis of our sex and there are more men called John on FTSE 100 boards than women altogether.
Added to which, the gender pay gap stands at a staggering 18.1% - in a problem exacerbated by maternity leave discrimination and lack of flexible working options.
Every day, women across Britain experience inappropriate behaviour, are refused pay rises and are patronised or dismissed - simply because of our gender.
In such a toxic environment, we need all the help we can get. And luckily, some companies are taking up the mantle of protecting and promoting women's rights.
Because, for every business that bypasses a woman for promotion or discriminates against her for taking maternity leave, there's another that supports and champions her needs.
Below, we spotlight just a few of the great British brands that are actively cheerleading their female employees, with policies that range from paid IVF leave to job-sharing schemes and women in leadership initiatives.
Come raise a toast to the progressive, inclusive stance - and may many more companies follow in their footsteps...
(Our edit is compiled with the help of 2017 research into workplace gender equality by jobs site Glassdoor)
UKFast, Manchester
All too often, companies are not transparent about their maternity policies and it's not easy to access information before you accept a job. Not with UKFast, however; this hosting and cloud computer company is upfront about the fact it offers employees 16 weeks paid maternity leave.
There's also an on-site crèche, and new mums and dads are gifted a baby hamper.
If you're not into parenthood, the company still boasts a host of enticing benefits, from five days' paid leave for newlyweds to an on-site steam room, gym and private healthcare.
Sky, nationwide
The entertainment and broadcasting giant is committed to having a workforce that is 50% women at senior leadership level. "We believe that having a gender balanced leadership team makes us a better business," it says. "We reflect who our customers are, draw on different and varied experiences, have diverse ideas and opinions."
With the gender balance of women in senior roles currently standing at 30%, Sky is aiming to grow this number via its Women in Leadership Sponsorship and Development programme. A shortlist that is evenly split between men and women is required for all senior positions that come up within the company.
Accenture, worldwide
This global management consultancy company has a series of programmes dedicated to advancing women in the workplace. Nearly 40 percent of its workforce is made up of women and "we strive to provide an environment and culture that empower them to define their personal approaches to success," the company says.
Part of this comes from Accenture's Defining success. Your way programme, which features women's networks, employee resource groups and bespoke research aimed at closing the gender pay gap.
The business also allows its workforce to choose from a range of flexible working options, including job sharing, part-time arrangements and varied workdays and hours - all of which is particularly helpful to working mums.
M&S, nationwide
Those who work for the retail empire get a 20% discount on M&S purchases, as well access to company-run saving and share-buying schemes.
More importantly, employees can select part-time, job-sharing or term-time working arrangements and there's also an option to take an unpaid career break of up to nine months - perfect for that backpacking trip around Asia.
M&S also offers paid time off for staff undergoing IVF treatment, or those who are being assessed as prospective foster or adoptive parents. In addition, employees can take advantage of an independent 24-hour confidential helpline staffed by advisors who are trained to listen and respond - no matter whether your problem is work-based, personal or a mixture of both.
Barclays, nationwide
Banking firm Barclays was ahead of the curve when it appointed its first Equal Opportunities Manager, Tina Boyden, back in 1984. Tina also founded Women in Banking, a support and contact group for her female peers in a traditionally male-dominated domain.
By 2007, the company formed its first Women's Initiative Network to increase the number and visibility of women in its workforce.
Nowadays, its dedicated mentoring programmes help female employees to progress up the ranks to top-level positions, as well as identifying and helping to nurture future generations of female talent.
Additionally, Barclays offers flexible working options where possible, including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
Vodaphone, nationwide
Mobile network provider Vodaphone claims it holds "one of the best maternity policies in the UK". Parents are offered up to 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave - and that's not all.
After returning to work post-babies, mums can take advantage of a further six months of working reduced 30-hour weeks on full pay.
Add free health assessments, share schemes and product discounts into the mix, and you have a rather enticing package for prospective employees - especially women.
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