by Izabela Lundgren, Featured Contributor
IN HONOR of International Women’s Day, I would like to use this moment to celebrate you, the professional woman and the impact that you are making around the world.
The theme of 2015 IWD it is to “Make it Happen” for women by focusing on:
- Greater Awareness of Women’s Equality – This is a day to reflect on women’s many achievements throughout history and to continue the march for women’s rights and gender equality in the years to come.
Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.” ~ Kofi Annan
- Growth of Women Owned Business’ – Today, there are still far fewer start-ups created by women. According to Alicia M. Robb, “Despite the key role this sector plays in the US economy, female entrepreneurs still need to close a wide gender gap that is inhibiting revenue growth.” Having said that, approximately 9 million women-owned businesses contributed more than $1.4 trillion in 2014 to the US economy alone. But we can do better.
If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing.” ~ Coco Chanel
- Equal Recognition of Women in the Arts – FACT: Though women represent half of the Masters of Fine Arts degrees granted in the US, “Only a quarter of solo exhibitions in New York galleries alone feature woman”. What is wrong with this picture?
I believe I’ve always been a big believer in equality. No one has ever been able to tell me I couldn’t do something because I was a girl.” ~ Anne Hathaway
- Fairer Recognition of Woman in Sports – Today, more women in sports are enjoying financial rewards and recognition than ever before. And it’s not just figure skating and gymnastics. Think golf, tennis, volleyball, softball, track & field, basketball and even MMA. But we need to keep marching here as well. As Deepanjan Deb has said, “…we can in no means, deride a gender of acceptance, only because they are not meant to compete in an activity, that has been perceived to be “for males” for a greater part of humanexistence.”
Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacity.” ~ Gandhi
- Increased Financial Independence of Woman – It is so exciting to see how far women have come in achieving financial independence. But much more still needs to be done! Why? For example, only 41% of women in the US participate in their employers 401(k) plan! And perhaps not surprisingly, over 85% of elderly Americans living in poverty are women. The picture in other parts of the world may not be looking much better. As result, it is a time to make a big change.
The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world.” ~ Charles Malik
- More Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) – Why so few? In a 2010 study, The American Association of University Women, highlighted a research finding that, “pointed to environmental and social barriers — including stereotypes, gender bias, and the climate of science and engineering departments in colleges and universities — that continue to block women’s progress in STEM.”
No industry or country can reach its full potential until women reach their full potential. This is especially true of science and technology, where women with a surplus of talent still face a deficit of opportunity.” ~ Sheryl Sandberg
- More Women in Senior Leadership Roles – According to catalyst.org, “women do not prefer a slower track and that they do use career advancement strategies similar to those employed by men, yet they don’t get the same payoff.”
Women are leaders everywhere you look — from the CEO who runs a Fortune 500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her household. Our country was built by strong women and we will continue to break down walls and defy stereotypes.” ~ Nancy Pelosi
In the end, it is important to remember that women are a powerful force with hearts of fighters that are standing strong in times of change and transformation in every city and every nation!
Hello Izabela, thanks for an interesting article.
If employers hired for job talent, then why would quickly learn that future successful employees are found in all groups, not just men from their alma maters.