Beyond the Performative: What Women REALLY Need On International Women's Day
Sara O'Hara, Chartered FCIM (MCIPR) (RPP?)
C-Suite Communications Strategist, Storyteller, Executive Coach, Crisis Consultant | 20+ years' delivering transformational corporate communications programmes, building brands, and protecting reputations
International Women's day (IWD) can often feel like a Day for performative celebration. Social media erupts with #girlboss hashtags and platitudes about female empowerment, but the frustration simmers. As a woman and the mother of a daughter, I can't help but wonder: is this all there is?
The UN theme for this year - #InvestInWomen - is a good place to start. It's a call to action beyond the fleeting sentimentality of pink balloons, flowers, and "girl power" memes. It isn't about giving women recognition for their achievements; it is related to investing in women. It involves breaking down systemic barriers so that women can thrive.
Shattering the Glass Ceiling and Rebuilding the Ladder.
Celebrating female CEOs should not eclipse the millions of women fighting for mid-level promotions and fair compensation. Investing in women requires tearing down the structures that prevent them from assuming leadership roles. This includes removing unconscious bias in promotion processes, creating mentorship programmes for women, and creating work environments that accommodate parenthood.
Beyond Gender Parity in Numbers: Accepting Diversity of Thought.
A boardroom full of women isn't progressive unless the women are homogenous and have similar views. True investment requires accepting diversity of thought. That means reaching out to women from marginalised and under-represented communities and valuing their voices equally.
STEM Education for Girls - Investment in STEM Education.
The future is shaped by innovation, and women deserve a seat at the table. We need to ignite a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in girls. This means shattering stereotypes, ensuring equal access to quality STEM education for all girls, and celebrating the achievements of inspiring women in STEM fields.
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Financial Independence as a Cornerstone of Empowerment.
Financial independence is not a handout, it's the foundation for women's agency. Closing the gender pay gap and equipping women with financial literacy are strategic investments that unlock women's full potential in the workforce. This translates to higher economic participation, increased business ownership, and a more robust and diverse economy.
Redefining Success: Beyond the "Lean In" Narrative.
The often-expressed "lean in" narrative excludes many women, particularly those who are raising a family or working a household budget. True investment celebrates different paths to success. This means tearing down the "superwoman" stereotype and creating work-life balance for women across all career stages.
International Women's Day should be more than a Day-long affair. It should be an impetus for action. By strategically investing in women across these areas we create a future where our daughters - and all women - can contribute meaningfully to society.
This IWD, let's move beyond the performative and build a world where "investing in women" means real progress and real change.
*This blog post offers a personal perspective on International Women's Day and is not intended to be a statement by any company / brand.
CEO - Brand Highlighter at Fosforic Creative Agency
1 年This is a great one lady, happy women’s day Sara ??
Group Communications Executive | HRM Graduate | Strategic Planner | Emiratisation & Event Specialist
1 年Amazing Sara! Loved the article, well said ??
Creative Director.. Brand & Marketing Visionary.. Engineering Architect..
1 年Amazing Sara and well said ?? Happy Women’s Day
Fantastic post Sara O'Hara, Chartered FCIM (MCIPR) (RPP?). Couldn't agree more with you, that, #IWD should be more than a day-long affair, it should be an impetus for action. #investinginwomen Kudos!! ??
Well said Sara. I hope this makes people think and take action. Action is what's needed now. There have been strides but it is not enough and happening too slowly!! Some of us can do out part but it is a big group group/team effort required.