Accelerate Action this International Women’s Day
This year’s theme of “Accelerate Action” empowers me to not just reflect, but to think about what we can do to make gender parity a reality, ideally sooner than year 2158.
International Women’s Day always becomes a day of reflection for me. It always makes me question my contributions as a leader, as a manager, as a mentor, as a friend, and as a citizen of the world. And this year’s theme of “Accelerate Action” empowers me to not just reflect, but to think about what we can do to make gender parity a reality, ideally sooner than year 2158 (as per the World Economic Forum).
State of Women in the Workforce
I think back to when I started my career and the women who came before me who “broke the glass ceiling”. It was a time where seeing a woman in leadership was novel, and those women had to fight their way into positions that they deserved. They paved the way for women like me, who had to fight a little less to find our way to the leadership table. It makes me feel a great deal of responsibility for women who come after me and the role I play to support them in all aspects of their career – from finding a job, to growth and development, to making sure their voice is heard.
We still face many similar stereotypes, especially for those who work in male dominated industries. From thinking (and overthinking) how we dress and what we look like; how we speak and the level of directness that is deemed appropriate; to considering every action we make and how it could be construed. Even after the years of progress that have passed, being a woman at work requires mental gymnastics every day. Think of the tech world as an example. In our Hackergal campaign, we produced satirical posters that drew attention to the lack of recognition for women working in tech and to encourage young girls to code.
Accelerate Action
When I hear this year’s theme of Accelerate Action, I’m called to it. What stood out to me are the things we can do every day to Accelerate Action as women. It doesn’t require having a c-suite title, or a “seat at the table.” There are simple things we can do to support each other and lift each other up. Things like celebrating each other’s success and encouraging one another. Questioning and challenging stereotypes and bias, especially for women of colour, who receive more discrimination in the workplace than anyone else (according to Statista).
As women in leadership, we have the accountability to build workplace cultures where women not only are employed but are also heard. Where we have gender parity in both representation and in pay. Where we speak up for women who are experiencing discrimination, discomfort, or microaggressions. We have a responsibility to build up a next generation of female leaders that will continue to demand equality and parity with their male counterparts. And that we push for diversity, equity and inclusion for Black, Indigenous, women of colour so we break the current system and push inclusion and equality.
Parting Thoughts
Accelerate Action means different things to all of us. This International Women’s Day, I encourage you to think about what it means to you. And to my male colleagues, many who are my advocates, partners, and supporters – keep pushing for those women in your life, and at your work, because to reach equality your voice is needed.
