IWD 2023 | How can I participate?

This year's theme is #EmbraceEquity. What is gender equity?

Gender Equity is like a magical unicorn party where resources, programs, and decision-making are handed out like candy to everyone, regardless of gender. No gender discrimination allowed! It's all about balancing the benefits for people of all genders. 🦄 Working in the architectural realm, which has historically been a boys' club, this year's theme hit home for me. Despite working for supportive firms, sneaky gender biases and imbalances still lurk in the shadows of our world.

Hey there, it's time to throw a party for all the amazing women out there, celebrating their social, political, and cultural achievements worldwide! But hey, let's not forget to shine a light on those pesky inequalities that women still have to deal with today.

“Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.” – Hillary Clinton

How can you participate in IWD 2023?

Don't be a thankless potato! Take a breather from life's crazy rollercoaster and show some love to the awesome women around you - whether they're your partners in crime at work, family, or just all-around superstars. Let's not be too busy to give a shoutout to those who've had our backs and fueled our fire through thick and thin. So, this International Women's Day, spread some good vibes and send a big fat thank you note to those fabulous ladies in your life!

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Get involved! Get in on the action with the International Women’s Day #EmbraceEquity campaign. It’s time to shake things up and fight those pesky biases and inequalities that sneak into our lives - whether it’s at work, school, or even deciding who gets the last slice of pizza. Whip out those social media skills to spread the word like confetti at a party. And hey, why not challenge your crew to join the fun by nominating them to jump on the #EmbraceEquity bandwagon too? Let’s make some noise and show the world how it’s done!

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Let's show some love to women-owned small businesses! Those fierce ladies have been through the ringer with the pandemic hitting hard and now dealing with inflation. So, let's spread the love and support their hustle! Treat yourself to some fabulous clothing from their brands, grab a bite at their awesome eateries, or give a big shout-out to their businesses on your socials. Let's make these women entrepreneurs feel the love they deserve!

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Educate yourself on the challenges women face globally. There are so many overlapping and intersecting challenges nearly all women and girls face: gender discrimination, the terrible combination of sexism, racism and economic inequality, harassment, sexual abuse, lack of education, dowry-related harassment, gender pay gap, and the list goes on. So, on International Women’s Day and everyday, it is important learn more about these challenges that women face here at home and all across the globe.

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FINAL THOUGHTS...

Sharing a quote is a simple way to preserve women’s history and continue the momentum of progress for women everywhere today. So, I'll end my post by sharing this beautiful quote by Malala Yousafzai: “I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. … We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back."

~mahsi!