International Women's Day, March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
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.
To us, International Women’s Day is a time to reaffirm our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
We actively employ, support and provide opportunities to our current and prospective employees, inclusive of disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, intersex status, relationship status, age, culture, ethnicity and faith.
Photograph: Rochelle Brockington / EyeEm
We live in a culture underpinned by our values of respect, belonging and connection. We are proud to be led by a team of talented, capable and driven people, which includes women, and we are always looking for ways to honour the achievements of each of our staff.
International Women's Day has occurred for well over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. It belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. The IWD 2020 theme – #EachforEqual – is drawn from a notion of 'Collective Individualism'. We are all parts of a whole. Our individual actions, conversations, behaviours and mindsets can have an impact on our larger society. Collectively, we can make change happen. Collectively, we can each help to create a gender equal world.
Collective action is what makes International Women's Day successful. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained:
"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."
We know a gender equal world is an enabled world. Gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive. A gender equal world can be a healthier, wealthier and more harmonious world - so what's not great about that?
Photograph: Sarah Koester / EyeEm
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the great women in our lives. Whether that be a family member, carer, mentor, friend or someone who has changed history – we encourage you to celebrate them and share what they mean to you.
