The Real Meaning Behind International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month

Today’s post is a guest contribution from, Erika Sandoval , who is global senior partner of human insights in the strategic advisory group at UKG.??

International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8 and Women’s History Month celebrated throughout March in the U.S., U.K., and Australia aren’t just mere celebrations. They’re testaments to the unwavering spirit of women worldwide. It is an opportunity to honor the diversity of women’s narratives, celebrate accomplishments, recognize struggles, and provide a call to action for female equality. While the celebration has historically focused on Western narratives, the realities that women from marginalized communities and those from the Global South, who constitute the majority of the world's population, must also be acknowledged and amplified.??

IWD provides an opportunity to acknowledge these intersecting identities and to build solidarity across diverse communities, especially in the workplace, where we spend a third of our lives. Women's experiences are diverse and shaped by a multitude of intersecting factors. Therefore, gender equality cannot be achieved without ensuring all women’s voices are heard and experiences are valued. Many women face intersecting forms of discrimination based on factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender or sexual identity, caste, language, disability, socioeconomic status, and migration status.??

My own experiences have been empowering and enlightening. From assumptions about my language proficiency to microaggressions based on cultural stereotypes, I have learned to embrace my identity as a source of strength and resilience, challenging stereotypes and advocating for greater inclusion and representation in the workplace.??

How to Build a More Inclusive Workplace for Women — and For All??Here are some ways your organization can help amplify intersectional female voices and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all.??

Review your hiring processes to ensure they are inclusive and bias free. Consider implementing anonymized resume screenings, standardized interview questions, and diverse interview panels to mitigate biases. Actively seek out candidates from different backgrounds and provide opportunities for their professional growth and advancement within your organization.??

Host workshops, training sessions, or panel discussions to educate employees about the unique challenges faced by women from intersectional identities. Use this opportunity to raise awareness about intersectionality and the ways it affects women's experiences in the workplace and beyond.??

Create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued and respected. Establish zero-tolerance policies for discrimination, harassment, and microaggressions. Elevate female voices in meetings, conferences, and public forums, and make sure to leverage employee resource groups (ERGs). Provide platforms for women from intersectional identities to share their stories, perspectives, and expertise. Actively seek out and promote their work, projects, and achievements within your organization and industry.??

Establish metrics and benchmarks to track progress toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) goals. Regularly evaluate and assess the impact of your initiatives on women from intersectional identities. Hold leaders and stakeholders accountable for fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace environment.??

Ensure your IWD and Women’s History Month celebrations are global and intersectional. Women around the world face different challenges and barriers to equality in the workplace, often shaped by cultural, political, and economic factors specific to their regions. The stories and voices you amplify for Women’s History Month in the U.S. may not resonate or have the same impact in Europe, Asia, Africa, or Latin America. What resonates with one group of women, may not necessarily resonate with other women with different lived experiences, cultural contexts, and social identities. Intersectional visibility not only validates experiences, but also inspires others who may see themselves reflected in these stories. By taking a global and intersectional perspective, we are honoring the resilience, strength, and contributions of women from all walks of life.??

IWD and Women’s History Month are about celebrating the achievements of not just a select few of women. By centering all voices, we honor the diversity of women's experiences, address systemic inequalities, and work toward a more just and inclusive world for all. The struggle for women's rights is interconnected and requires collective action on a global scale and in our workplaces. So, on this IWD and throughout Women’s History Month, let's ensure that all women are included, celebrated, and empowered.?