Doing Well to Do Good
January 30, 2024
Progression, Not Regression: EDI and addressing the sum of its parts
March 28, 2024
Writing on International Women’s Day (IWD) has been an annual event for me over the past four years, and one that is hugely important as its values align so closely with my own.
While the values of IWD are ones that we should all hold closely and embody every day, the annual themes allow us to think and reflect on what more we can do for society. So here goes – what is IWD 2024 all about? ‘Inspire Inclusion’ is the theme.
On the IWD website they express, ‘when we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.’
What does this mean? In my view, this statement urges us to focus on our communities, whether they be personal or professional, and consider how we can all come together. How can we create environments that allow people to feel seen, heard, and valued, while inspiring others along the way. We all do that, I hope, every day, whether that’s our children, colleagues, or just by saying thank you to someone for their support and service.
Achieving this isn’t just about women, it’s about all of us – regardless of gender – because we can all make a powerful difference.
IWD offer their guidance on the themes, and these are the top areas for forging women’s economic empowerment:
- recruiting, retaining, and developing female talent
- supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business, and STEM
- designing and building infrastructure that meets the needs of women and girls
- helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health
- involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security
- providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
- elevating women and girl’s participation and achievement in sport
- promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls
- addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls
These Are Not New!
Whether through my personal experience with X-Forces Enterprise, Soldiering On Awards, or through one of our many valued Partners, these needs are not new. So, what can we do this year through #IWD2024 to highlight these priorities? In my view, it is critical that we continue to spearhead these areas, however we must focus our sights higher and elevate those around us. I am passionate about looking at lived experience and showcasing stories, and if I may be so bold, we need them more than ever, especially in light of the unrest we are seeing around the world. If IWD can help to change the dial from regression to progression, l I am all in!
Happy Inclusive Voices of Inspiration Day at #IWD2024.
