Image courtesy of InternationalWomensDay.com
International Women’s Day is just a few weeks away! March 8, 2020 marks a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women - while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
#EachforEqual
This year’s theme—Each for Equal—is a call of collective individualism. It relies on everyone taking individual action to create a more gender equal world.
The International Women’s Day team has defined the 2020 theme:
An equal world is an enabled world.
Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.
We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements.
Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world.
Let's all be #EachforEqual.
IWD Missions
This year, in addition to plentiful resources, specific missions have been identified that help each of us as individuals understand how to best focus our efforts. Missions focused on women in tech, women in sport, women entrepreneurs, women’s health, women creatives and—our personal favorite—women at work.
The Women at Work Mission is “to champion women of all backgrounds who dare to innovate, lead, and uplift others towards a more equal and inclusive workplace.” One of the best ways we can focus our efforts to champion women at work is first through education. Each year, the World Economic Forum releases its Global Gender Gap report—a critical resource for understanding the need for global gender parity. Although the numbers are improving, the 2020 report shows that we’re still 99 years away from gender parity.
Time for Action
After education comes action. What is YOUR next step to push gender equality in your organization this year?
A few ideas to start the conversation this International Women’s Day:
Try the 50 Ways to Fight Bias activity from LeanIn.org
Share the facts on why diverse organizations benefit everyone
Support your IWD celebrations with women-owned businesses—and continue to increase vendor diversity throughout the year
… and of course, more details on how to plan your IWD can be found here. We can’t wait to hear how you celebrate!