Monday 8th March marks international women’s day 2021. The organisers state that “a challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change.”
Here, we examine what it means to challenge and tackle gender bias in today’s world. Join us as we celebrate women’s achievements in and outside of the workplace.
IWD 2021 in summary
Pushed for time? Here are the brief snippets you need to know:
- International Women’s Day calls for greater gender equality.
- The 2021 theme is ‘Choose to Challenge’.
- Women have borne the brunt of the economic fallout due to COVID-19.
- Female leader contributions:
- Mercè Cozens – “Proud to be a female business owner and to support other women in their professional journeys.”
- Eimear Maguire – “We are a generation raising our daughters more like sons but do we have the courage to raise our sons more like daughters?”
- Sharon Amesu – “Speak up against injustice and to build communities of passionate advocates for change.”
- Lisa Edwards – “Until it’s the everyday norm, it’s not enough.”
- Kirsty James – “Challenge our own belief systems and openness to learning and change.”
- Think Beyond identifies as women-led.
A brief history of International Women’s Day
Celebrated worldwide every March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) honours the economic, political, cultural and social impact of women and calls for greater gender equality.
Observed since the early 1900s, International Women’s Day has brought into sharp focus issues such as the right to vote to employment conditions. More recently, annual campaign themes such as 2021’s ‘Choose to Challenge’ provide the focus for IWD celebrations.
Why choose to challenge now
So, what does this year’s ‘Choose to Challenge’ theme mean? And why now?
As you are no doubt aware, the Coronavirus pandemic has radically altered day-to-day life across the globe. Many critics argue that COVID-19 is a disaster for women’s rights; women are ‘bearing the brunt of the economic fallout’ (The Guardian) and taking on yet greater domestic and child caring responsibilities. In addition, visits to the Refuge website are up by a reported 950%.
Choosing to challenge means to call out gender bias and strive for an equal, inclusive world. As the International Women’s Day website suggests, “From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge”.
Breaking down barriers in the workplace and beyond
Here, at Think Beyond, we firmly believe that change and challenging convention is a must. Our company philosophy is based on inspiring marketing change; on turning marketing from a cost centre to a profit centre and adding renewed credibility to marketing itself.
Our founder, Mercè Cozens, is a passionate advocate of change within the workplace too. From membership of Women On Boards to a supporter of The Women’s Organisation and the FSB’s ‘Women in Enterprise’ series, Mercè supports inclusivity at a regional, national and global level.
“Inclusivity and equality go hand in hand with a successful workplace where everyone can benefit. Inclusive practices are not just ‘nice to have’ but the right thing to do in order to bring social and economic benefits to all. Women’s visibility at board level is increasing and this should be celebrated. I am incredibly proud to be a female business owner and to support other women in their professional journeys,” she adds.
Co-founder, Steven Cozens, added his thoughts. “Equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, including supporting female professionals and entrepreneurs, must never overlook social class. Some of the best and brightest female talent and leaders may be held back just because of their social position. Which university you attended, which hobbies you have, where your parents worked and your wealth should not define the limits of your potential.”
In her own words – Celebrating women’s achievements
We asked some influential women in business how they will choose to challenge this year. Take a look at their responses below:
Eimear Maguire – Director at Maquire Family Law
“During this recent lockdown I have really seen the strain of these burdensome times on the faces of my female colleagues and professional contacts. We discuss it so there is no secret about why. All the systems women have had in place to enable us to manage the work / life balance have been pulled out from under us; childcare, grandparents, schools, social support network. I see the pressure on some of my male colleagues too but on the whole women are mainly charged with domestic & child related responsibilities. We are facing burnout & we have to demand the support we deserve, both at home and at work. Time and time again we accept the challenge and choose to keep moving forward. We are a generation raising our daughters more like sons but do we have the courage to raise our sons more like daughters? If we can envisage a world where men and women are equal partners, to achieve that is the challenge.”
Sharon Amesu – Director at SA Consulting
“I am continually confronted with the question, ‘Am I living my life as a good ancestor?’ Using my voice to speak up against injustice and to build communities of passionate advocates for change, is how I choose to challenge on this IWD. I believe that we each have the obligation and the power to ensure that future generations are able to say that we played our part in making the world a fairer and more equitable place.”
Lisa Edwards – Director at Evolve2Evolve
“I’m living proof that challenging the norm, creating unique opportunities to grow through inclusive and diverse work experiences – and learning to leverage everyone being at their best because of their differences, allows women (and others) to thrive as leaders! But until it’s the everyday norm, it’s not enough. My International Women’s Day commitment this year is to #ChoosetoChallenge behaviour expectations, by championing the adoption of widespread habit change that embraces difference, so that we can all truly become the change we want to see, one day at a time.”
Kirsty James – Director at Colony Networking
“I believe that ‘Choosing to Challenge’ should not just relate to external events, actions and viewpoints but also be about looking inwards to challenge our own belief systems and openness to learning and change. I choose to continually challenge my own potential but also my responsibility to support the wider community of female entrepreneurs.”
How will you choose to challenge this International Women’s Day?
For further advice on how to get involved in IWD 2021, check out the official website: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
Don’t forget to share your support on social media using the #IWD2021 and #ChoosetoChallenge.
Think Beyond is a management consultancy and agency based in Cheshire. We identify as women-led and we are passionate about supporting diversity, inclusion and equality. Our services range from advice and planning to advertising and content through to training and lead gen.
If you would like to find out more about us, simply visit us at www.think-beyond.co.uk.