By Tai Wilson
Editor and President of advancingwomen.com
As we approach International Women’s Day 2023, the global community is called to action under this year’s campaign theme
of #EmbraceEquity. This theme represents a rallying cry for everyone to take real, tangible steps toward creating a world that
is more equitable for women and girls.
At AdvancingWomen.com, we have been on the front lines of the equity fight for nearly three decades. Our focus on diversity recruitment and career development for women and minorities has made us a trusted partner for companies looking to increase innovation, improve decision-making, drive sales, and retain diverse customers in an ever-changing global economy. With #EmbraceEquity as this year’s campaign theme, we are more motivated than ever to continue our mission.
What is Equity?
Before we dive into the details of this year’s campaign theme, let’s first define what we mean by equity. Equity is about creating fair and just opportunities for everyone, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, or any other identity factor. It’s about recognizing and addressing historical and systemic barriers that prevent certain groups from achieving success. Equity is not the same as equality, which assumes that everyone starts from the same place and should be treated the same. Instead, equity acknowledges that different groups face different challenges and need different supports to achieve equal outcomes.
Why #EmbraceEquity?
The #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is meant to inspire everyone to take concrete actions toward creating a more equitable world. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significant inequalities in our society, particularly for women and minorities. Women have been disproportionately impacted by job loss and have had to shoulder most caregiving responsibilities during the pandemic. Women of color, in particular, have faced even greater challenges.
However, the pandemic has also brought about a new level of awareness and urgency to address these inequalities. We have seen the power of collective action in the fight for racial justice and the push for policies that support working families. We believe that this moment presents a unique opportunity to make real progress toward equity.
What Can You Do?
As the campaign theme suggests, the first step towards creating a more equitable world is to embrace the concept of equity. This
means recognizing that inequality exists and committing to doing something about it. Here are some concrete actions you can take
1. Educate Yourself – Educate yourself on the issues surrounding equity, such as the gender wage gap, systemic
racism, and gender-based violence. Read books, attend webinars, and seek out information from trusted sources.
2. Speak Up – Speak up when you witness inequality or discrimination. Use your voice to advocate for change in
your workplace, community, and beyond.
3. Support Women-Owned Businesses – Support women-owned businesses and businesses that prioritize diversity
and equity in their hiring and promotion practices.
4. Mentor or Sponsor Women – Mentor or sponsor women in your industry to help them achieve their career goals. Offer guidance, support, and networking opportunities.
5. Advocate for Policies That Support Equity – Advocate for policies that support equity, such as paid family leave, affordable childcare, and fair pay.
The AdvancingWomen.com Approach
At AdvancingWomen.com, we take a comprehensive approach to promoting equity. Our diversity recruitment services help companies attract and retain diverse talent, while our career development programs help women and minorities advance in their careers. We also provide resources and support for women-owned businesses and work to promote policies that support equity.
As part of the #EmbraceEquity campaign, we are committed to amplifying the voices of women and minorities and advocating
for change