Happy International Women's Day! This year's theme, "Embrace Equity", is a call to action for all of us to work towards a more equitable future. It's about focusing on the value that women add and striving for balance in the workforce and the world – beyond opportunity alone. To achieve this, we need to support each other, challenge our systemic beliefs and most importantly, come together as a collective to support one another.
I have experienced the positive impact of embracing equity in my professional and in my personal life. My husband and I have worked hard to balance the traditional responsibilities of the home, which means we approach things with a team mindset; whether is taking sick time to care for our kids, simply balancing day care drop off and pick up, or supporting each other to pursue our passions (just to name a few). This has allowed me to pursue my career and personal goals without sacrificing my role as a mother, a business owner, a wife, and who I am as an individual.
But it's not just about my own personal situation. By embracing equity in our home, my husband and I are modeling behavior that we hope will inspire our children (and others) to do the same – they are growing up with a positive experience of the family unit; one that isn’t defined by traditional male/female roles.
This is one simple personal example, but if we want to see real change in our society, we need to recognize that achieving equity requires the participation of everyone. It's not just a women's issue or a men's issue - it's a human issue.
So, it would be a miss if I didn’t celebrate the success of women entrepreneurs who have been breaking barriers and defying the odds. Women-led startups outperformed those led by men by 63% in terms of ROI (according to a study by First Round Capital). This is a clear indication that when we embrace equity, women can excel and create tremendous value. We need to continue to provide the resources and support necessary to help women entrepreneurs thrive and achieve their full potential. By doing so, we not only help to drive economic growth but also create a more equitable world.
Women are also making significant strides in education. In fact, women now outnumber men as college graduates in many countries. However, despite these gains, there are still millions of women around the world who are fighting for their right to education. Let's not forget the millions of girls who are denied access to education simply because of their gender. We need to invest in removing the barriers that prevent them from pursuing their dreams and reaching their full potential.
Studies have shown that having at least one female member on a board of directors can have a significant positive impact on a company's performance. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, companies with more diverse boards are 15% more likely to outperform their peers in terms of financial returns. This highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership positions. When women are represented at the highest levels of decision-making, companies benefit from their unique perspectives and experiences. By promoting gender diversity in the workplace, we can create more innovative and successful organizations that reflect the needs and values of a diverse society.
So I will leave you with this food for thought…
Many of you have been tasked with planning IWD events and initiatives - when it comes to planning successful women's events, it's important to recognize that achieving true gender equity requires the participation and support of both men and women. While it's important to have women-centered spaces where women can connect, network, and share their experiences, it's equally important to have male allies who are committed to promoting gender equity and creating inclusive environments.
Involving men in the planning and execution of women's events can bring a different perspective and help to expand the reach and impact of these events. Men can serve as advocates, sponsors, and mentors for women, helping to break down barriers, create opportunities for women to succeed, and help others #embraceequity.
At the same time, it's important to ensure that women's voices and perspectives are centered in these events. Women should have a leading role in shaping the agenda, selecting speakers, and setting the tone for the event.
Ultimately, the key to planning successful women's events is finding a balance between male and female participation and support. By working together, we can create more inclusive and equitable spaces where everyone can thrive.
Finally, as we celebrate International Women's Day, let's remember that achieving equity is not a one-day event, but rather an ongoing journey. Let's continue to uplift and amplify the voices of women, especially those who have been historically marginalized.
And most importantly, let's come together as a community to address the systemic issues that continue to hold women back. Let's challenge our biases and create an environment where everyone is valued and respected for their contributions, regardless of their gender.
Comentários