March 8 is International Women’s Day. It’s an opportunity to look back on the progress made in women’s rights, and the challenges that still exist today. The UN’s theme for this year is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.” The focus is on women and girls who are leading the way for females in the advancement of technological and digital education. Some 90% of jobs now have a digital aspect, making this change an imperative if we seek to create an equal future.
International Women’s Day dates back to the early 1900s, when women were fighting for better working conditions and the right to vote. It caught attention on a major scale when the United Nations adopted it in 1977 as an official holiday. Today, it is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. While progress has certainly been made in recent years, there is still a long way to go in achieving gender equality.
This year’s theme is particularly significant to us, as it focuses on the digital gender gap and its impact on inequalities. Today, women make up only 28% of the technology industry. There is no doubt that a good reason for this discrepancy is due to the significant gender gap in access to digital tools and skills, particularly in developing countries. This year’s celebration is an opportunity to explore these issues while highlighting the importance of protecting the rights of females in digital spaces.
Women play a vital role in business and marketing, and their contributions are essential to the success of our industry. They currently represent about 48% of marketers. However, as a group they still face significant challenges, including pay inequality, limited advancement opportunities, and workplace discrimination. That is why it is important to celebrate the women in our lives and our businesses and to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
At MHP/ Team SI, we are committed to empowering women in the workplace and empowering them to succeed in the industry. We are a woman-owned company. We have numerous women in leadership positions. Over half of our teammates are women. Women lead. They create. They innovate. They stand behind nearly every piece of work we produce as an agency.
We also seek to empower women outside of our company. Each year, we partner with the Women’s Economic Mobility Hub to provide pro-bono consulting and marketing services to minority, women-owned businesses in Arkansas. Our teammates volunteer with and sit on the boards of non-profit organizations that improve the lives of women in our communities.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the progress made in women’s rights and reflect on the work that still needs to be done. Let’s support women’s empowerment and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace. Let’s make practical and tangible impacts where we are able.
Don’t forget to celebrate the women in your life and your business and to work towards creating a more equal and just world for all.
