Today (March 8th) is International Women’s Day, a day that recognizes women’s achievements while calling for gender equality all over the world. According to Internationalwomensday.com , this day “started by the Suffragettes in the early 1900’s, and the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911. International Women’s Day belongs to all communities everywhere – governments, companies, charities, educational institutions, networks, associations, the media and more.” In recent years, March 8th is recognized as the “official” IWD date. This year’s theme is #PressforProgress to initiate a strong call to motivate and unite friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive.
It’s important to recognize women in your office, community, and around the world for their contributions, hard work, and achievements. Often women don’t get the recognition they deserve. However, times are changing. I work in a male-dominated industry, sit on a Board of Directors made up mostly of men, but close to half are women and am out and about at events where sometimes women make up the majority of guests and other times it’s mostly men. Both genders bring value to the table, but it’s essential to even out the playing field and have more of a 50/50 representation of each gender, or something close to it.
At Greystone, we have hired more women in all roles (leadership, technical, non-technical) roles than we have ever before. We have established our own leadership group for our female employees that puts together speaker events, gives back to other women outside of the company, and attends community events highlighting women who are changing the world.
With lots going on right now regarding women’s rights, gender parity, the #metoo movement, today is a day to focus on celebrating and pressing forward for progress. You can do this by sharing achievements of your female staff to the company, tell a friend or co-worker what they are doing well, congratulating someone on hitting their goals, offer mentorship or a helping hand to another female. Here in Denver, you can also attend one of these amazing IWD events:
Come together with other fabulous females for an evening of comedy, craft cocktails, and a celebration of all the women who have “made their mark” on Denver’s business scene.
This event will be engaging a panel of women from different industries and backgrounds who are spearheading change and gender equality here in Denver through lightning talks.
Go out and support a woman owned and/or operated restaurant, brewery, bar, or business.
Empower your fellow females and watch the impact they have on the world!
