International Women's day 2020

International Women's Day continues to be a powerful platform globally that unifies and drives action for gender parity, while celebrating the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women.

 As someone born in the United States, having grown up in Scandinavia and Europe, and currently residing in Israel, I have encountered much diversity—often visible signs of diversity—like gender, race, and physical differences. Yet, the more I work with people from other cultures, the more I understand that there are a vast number of ways in which diversity is not immediately visible; there are ways in which we can inadvertently exclude others if we’re not aware of the probability of hidden differences.

Diversity in an organization is achieved when it has hired a workforce that looks like the world: different ages, genders, races, abilities, sexual orientations, identities, cultures and so on. Diversity can be measured. It’s a statistic, a box you can check.

An organization only achieves inclusion when all those employees are comfortable being their true selves, when they are paid the same for doing the same work, when their ideas and perspectives are welcomed and when everyone sees the value of all contributors. Inclusion is tougher to measure, harder to attain and always a work in progress.

It is only by embracing the following values, many of which are synonymous in understanding individuals from other cultures, that we can truly call our society and organizations diverse and inclusive.

JUSTICE

While the concept of justice may differ across cultures, the notion of justice is based on respect and equality amongst people. Justice means being afforded the same equal rights and opportunities as men.

DIGNITY

Refers to the idea that all people have the right to be valued, respected and receive ethical treatment. 

EQUALITY

Gender equality refers to women receiving and accessing the same opportunities and benefits as men.

APPRECIATION

International Women's Day provides a specific and designated moment each year to identify and celebrate the successful achievements of women.

RESPECT

Equality can only be achieved if the diversity, differences and qualities of women are truly valued.

EMPATHY

Seeking to understand others, caring for and valuing diversity, and appreciating difference are key to forging deep relationships to affect change. It's through the ability to understand and share the feelings of others that differing situations and perspectives can be grasped. 

Equal rights are not special rights. Happy International Women’s Day.