Celebrating the Power of Women On International Women's Day
On International Women's Day, we had the pleasure of discussing the power of women and the concept of equality in the workplace with global insights executives who recently spoke at the Insights Lighthouse event during the World Economic Forum.
International Women's Day is a time to honour the remarkable achievements of women around the world and acknowledge their immeasurable contributions to society. It serves as a reminder to celebrate the power of women and the progress made towards achieving gender equality. In this article, we will explore the significance of International Women's Day and highlight some key aspects that exemplify the power of women.
1. Education is the key that unlocks the limitless potential of women, transforming them into unstoppable forces of positive change.
Education plays a pivotal role in empowering women. When women have access to quality education, they become agents of change in their communities and beyond. By emphasising the importance of education, we can pave the way for more women to reach their full potential, inspiring future generations and driving social progress.
As a mother of two daughters, Bilge BALCI, Director Insights & Analytics at Vectura Fertin Pharma envisions a world where every girl can chase her dreams with unshakeable confidence and equal opportunities. She says, "It's about showcasing role models who embody the heights women can achieve". She was fortunate to have such support, when she started to build her career and therefore today we see her passionately dedicated to supporting women who choose to pursue their academic and career ambitions.
2. Women are leaving behind a trail of shattered stereotypes, inspiring generations to dream bigger and reach higher.
Throughout history, women have shattered glass ceilings and overcome societal limitations to excel in various fields. From politics to science, business to sports, women have demonstrated exceptional skills, resilience, and determination.
James Sallows, Global Marketing Effectiveness Head at Lego, shared with us that his best and most inspirational bosses in the insights sector have always been women. He feels fortunate to work in a sector with many strong female leaders. He believes “that on this day, we should be particularly attentive to highlighting the stories of women trailblazers in the insights industry to inspire other women to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers”.
3. When women come together, they create an unstoppable force that propels us towards a future where every woman can rise and thrive.
One of the most powerful aspects of women's nature is the support and solidarity they offer to each other. Through mentorship, networking, and collaboration, women uplift and empower fellow women, creating a strong collective force. Recognizing and fostering this spirit of support is crucial in ensuring that all women have equal opportunities to succeed.
Kim "Kimfer" Flanery-Rye, Founder for DEI and Culture, as well as founder and CEO of "The FBomb Breakfast Club", a peer-led organisation for women in business, reassures us that women cannot succeed without other women. She shared, "As we move up the career ladder and gain seats at larger tables, it is a must for us to bring other brilliant women along with us". She emphasises the importance of cultivating relationships and developing allies who can champion women's journeys.
4. By breaking gender stereotypes, we unlock the full potential of women, creating a world where their unique talents and contributions are celebrated and valued.
International Women's Day is an opportune moment to challenge and break down gender stereotypes that restrict women's potential. It is crucial to create an environment that recognizes and respects the unique contributions, talents, and needs of women.
Olga Komleva, Senior Marketing Manager at Colgate-Palmolive, advocates for creating a healthier culture that supports women in reaching their full potential at work by creating inclusive, supportive, equitable environment that fosters collaboration and consideration, leadership opportunities, recognition and visibility.
Dr. Liubov Ruchinskaya, Global Insights Director Care at Electrolux and founder of Insights Lighthouse reinforced the point by saying "Menstruation, Menopause, Pregnancy should stop being treated as limiting career factors; these are natural body needs of women, and the workplace can and should be adjusted to allow every woman to succeed at any period of life and most importantly not being forced to choose between their careers and families".
5. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to pursue their passions and ambitions, regardless of gender.
Gender-Free Culture: Advocating for Togetherness, not just for women.
Vesna Hajnšek, Senior Insights Lead at Swarovski, believes that “expertise, experience, and passion have no gender”. She celebrates the connective, collaborative, and integrative approach. She says “In a world that values single-mindedness and speed, it is bringing people together on the journey and embracing different perspectives that create superior value”.
International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the power of women and acknowledge their immense contributions to society. By promoting education, breaking down barriers, empowering each other, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for gender equality, we can create a world where every person’s potential is recognized and valued regardless of the bio characteristic we are born with.
This is a journey that requires bravery, commitment, and support from everyone - men, social institutions, big brands, and individuals alike. While we have made significant progress across the globe, we are still far from reaching our goal. Let us come together, accelerate our efforts, and continue this journey towards a more inclusive and equitable world. Together, we can make a difference.
Happy Women’s day! Today, we celebrate not only every woman but also every man who recognizes and celebrates women every day.