As I sit and reflect on the state of women in the world, I can’t help but think that this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, ‘Accelerating Action’, is especially timely and appropriate. ‘Accelerating Action’ is more important now than ever.
Now is the time for women to stand, both individually and collectively, for women and girls. Now is the time to accelerate action toward progress, not setbacks. Women are often considered the backbone of families and societies. Working women, whether in the home or on the job, navigate many unique challenges as they strive to excel in all their many responsibilities. There are also many women who would like to work and are unable to do so, due to a broken childcare infrastructure system and workplaces that are not equipped to support the integral roles women play in society. Despite these challenges, expectations of all women only continue to grow.
A phrase I often use in speaking about women, especially mothers and parents, is “the juggle is real”. Not only is it real, but it can feel never ending. I want to take a moment to encourage all women to give yourselves more credit for all that you are doing. Try not to give in to all the societal pressures that say you must be all things to everyone all the time. You don’t need to be - and you are more than enough.
To the women who are accelerating action at work, I see you setting an example for your children and others. I see you lending a hand to mentor other women. I see you advocating for a modern workplace that actually works for women.
To the women who are accelerating action at home, I see you wearing so many hats.
To the women who are accelerating action in your families, I see you setting an example for both your daughters and sons. “The juggle is real” and you got this!
To the women who are accelerating action in the world, I see you advocating for paid family leave, an adequate childcare system, and women’s rights.
Whether you embody one of these roles or all of them, I see you accelerating action for women. I thank you, stand with you, and stand for you.
To all women - now is the time to accelerate action. I encourage you to look around and find ways to help each other. Whether it is standing side by side, lending a hand, lifting other women up, giving a nudge of encouragement, or simply sharing a smile that says, I see you, keep going - let’s all stand together to continue to accelerate action for all women.
International Women’s Day provides all of us an opportunity to pause and take time to think about how we can uplift and support the women in our lives. Creating a better world for women, and ultimately for everyone, requires all of us. Together, women and our allies have the power to drive meaningful change.
To anyone who supports women, I encourage you to not just support women but also to find your own ways to accelerate action for women. Accelerate action for your mothers, daughters, sisters, family members, friends, and colleagues.
To everyone, let’s make ‘Accelerate Action’ more than just a theme, let’s make it a movement. Share your story about how you #AccelerateActionforWomen and inspire others to do the same.
Together, we can drive real change and ‘Accelerate Action’ for women in the high tech industry - and all over the world!