“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.” – Sheryl Sandberg

Picture this: A world where gender does not determine your opportunities or your worth, and everyone is free to pursue their dreams and aspirations. A future in which every person, no matter their gender, has an equal access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. An equitable society in which gender-based violence and discrimination are a thing of the past, and differences are embraced.

This is the world that we hope to achieve when we talk about gender equality. It’s not only about dreaming, but rather taking the necessary steps towards creating a more just and prosperous world for everyone.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8th to recognize the economic, cultural, social, and political achievements of women around the world. It’s a day to promote gender equality, while raising awareness about the challenges that women continue to face. International Women’s Day first began in 1911 as a way to advocate for women’s rights. This celebration took place in Denmark, Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Since then, this day has grown into a global movement that brings together people of all backgrounds and genders to celebrate the accomplishments of women, reflect on the progress that has been made towards gender equality, as well as acknowledge the work that still needs to be done.

This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. The aim of the 2023 theme is to create a conversation on why equality alone is not enough. Equality and equity are interrelated concepts that share a goal of creating a fair society for all individuals, regardless of their gender or other dimensions of diversity. However, these concepts approach this goal in different ways. Gender equality is a human right. It involves providing the same resources and levels of opportunity to everyone. Equality holds the assumption that every individual should be treated the same and given the same value and rights, regardless of their needs or circumstances. Equality displays a ‘one size fits all’ system, which is only effective if everyone has the same needs, and are starting at the same point. 

Equity is crucial. It takes into account individual differences and circumstances, and recognizes that not everyone will start out from the same place. It does not mean that everyone is treated the same, but rather treated according to their needs. By addressing systemic barriers and providing individuals with the necessary resources and support, equity creates opportunities for everyone to succeed. International Women’s Day enables a path to highlight the importance of equity for women, and to raise awareness of the ongoing struggles that women face around the world. Together, we can work towards creating an inclusive society and #EmbraceEquity.

The power of women across the world is an unstoppable force. Across continents and cultures, women have shown incredible strength and resilience by overcoming immense obstacles and making positive impacts on the world. From being the backbone of families and communities, to making major breakthroughs in medicine and technology, women play a vital role in shaping our domain. It’s essential to celebrate the contributions of women, and work to ensure that they have equitable opportunities to succeed and thrive.

So, what are some creative ways to celebrate International Women’s Day in your organization?

• Attend an online panel to listen to inspiring stories from women across the world

• Host an event or activity, such as an inspirational speaker, panel discussion, networking event, or workshop

• Wear purple, the International Women’s Day universal color, that symbolizes power, strength, dignity, and justice

• Support local women-owned businesses

• Donate to a global charity that advocates gender equality and women’s rights

• Review your company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy

• Show appreciation to the awesome women in your life

If you are interested in running a workshop on these topics, check out our courses on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Women in Leadership.

Happy International Women’s Day! Keep shining on- not just today, but everyday!

Posted by Zachary Myers on March 8, 2023