Embracing Equity to empower generations on International Women's Day

International Women’s Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate what women bring to our business, our culture and our lives. We should also recognize those who have overcome barriers of the past to create opportunities for the women of today and the generations of tomorrow.

This year’s theme of #EmbraceEquity reminded me of my daughter’s recent wedding and a speech that was given during the ceremony by her aunt. It was a powerful message to usher her into the next phase of her life, reflecting on those who came before and how they persevered to achieve equity in their lives.?In honor of International Women's Day, I invite you to reflect on these words.

“As you step forward and enter this space remember that you come from a long line of strong women – women who have been independent, aspirational, dreamers and doers. At the same time these women understood what it takes to grow and nurture a family while maintaining a balance between home and work, between following one’s dreams and supporting those of others. These women believed in encouraging their daughters to learn and live alongside men in this world. You are lucky to have been raised by some of these amazing women and to have seen them in action.

Whenever you are faced with adversity you will be rooted in the knowing that those who went before you already laid down the strong groundwork for you to walk upon. I hope that you can maintain a connection with your amazing female ancestors and carry the wisdom of these women forward as you take the first steps on this new journey.”?

I was not alone in thinking of this theme in terms of the next generation. I asked some of the amazing women on my leadership team what this day and #EmbraceEquity means to them. Each was thinking of how their daughters are empowered by those who came before them.?

Nancy Yueh

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The 2023 theme, “Embrace Equity” is more than just a campaign slogan. It’s a call for fair treatment, equal opportunity and identifying and removing barriers that prevent women from fully participating. No small task. But it’s humbling how far we have come.

My mother-in-law left Asia as a teenager to attend college at UC Berkeley in California. She was the only woman in her chemistry class, gaining her master’s degree although her father opposed it. She was the only female chemist at the pharmaceutical company where she worked until she got married and had a child. She turned that chemistry degree into cooking skills, becoming a cookbook author and cooking teacher. She believed she could and was a clear role model for my girls.

My 18-year-old daughter is captain of the soccer team and leads them through both victories and defeats. Her twin sister is a platinum gymnast and inspires others, coaching younger generations of gymnasts on how to handle both first place finishes and falling off the balance beam. They understand that success is sweet, and failures are learning opportunities. They never give up on reaching the next victory because they believe, “Yes, I can.”

That simple phrase has guided me throughout my career in the technology industry and my other career as a wife and a mother. So, on this day and every day, I encourage you to embrace equity, make a difference, and always remember, “yes, you can.”?

Jean Lawrence

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As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I appreciate this year’s global theme #EmbraceEquity . Unlike equality - which gives each person the same resources - equity recognizes that different people need different resources to be successful.

I’m grateful for many resources throughout my career such as mentors and women in leadership retreats that have helped me navigate the hurdles that still exist for women in tech careers. And I’m delighted to see how similar resources are developing and inspiring female leaders of the future.

I’ll leave you with a quote from my 15-year old daughter sent me in a spontaneous text yesterday about a club called Girls in Business (GiB) that is helping creating equity:

“I feel like GiB has given me so much confidence and made me believe I can really be anything I want. I can rule the world if I want to. I’m a smart businesswoman, I can be whatever I want!”

Cheers to the emerging generation and to all women in today’s workforce – paid and unpaid – who are achieving great things, and thanks to the many allies who embrace equity.

I encourage you on this day to not only #EmbraceEquity for the women in your life today, but to celebrate those who paved the way and those who will walk the path you are creating tomorrow. #IWD