To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we spoke to five successful women working in the Digital and Tech industry to find out what this day truly means to them.
“In an industry with over 3 million people, we all know the scales don’t tip in our favour — especially when it comes to women in leadership roles. Today is the day the world celebrates our achievements, raises awareness about discrimination, and takes action to drive gender parity.
As an ethnic minority, I have faced discrimination throughout my childhood for being Asian whilst growing up in a Western society (Australia). It was a challenge for me to feel like I truly belonged. In my adult life, I have faced discrimination for my age and gender within the workplace, with people assuming I don’t have enough “life experience” to be in a senior leadership role.
Today I celebrate being a mother, a wife, a “young” female leader, a mentor, a coach and hopefully an inspiration to others that you can have a successful career as well as a family.
Everyone’s contribution to a gender-equal world should be celebrated today and every day! With that said; to my team, mentors, support network, friends and family — I celebrate you all today. Your strength, love, and support over the years has helped me rise above all the negativity, prejudice and limiting beliefs.
One day soon, we will live in a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. Every step, no matter how small, is a step toward embracing equity, and that’s why this day is my favourite day of the year!”
“IWD is a great time to shine a light on all the great things that women are doing in the industry, and to recognize how far society has come in supporting women in the sector and beyond. As a young woman in the industry I have experienced so much support and kindness both from other female leaders and from men, especially when I first started my agency. I have recently founded a regular event for Woman Agency Leaders in Scotland which is full of encouraging and supportive voices and I can’t wait to see it grow throughout 2023 and beyond.”
“Being an entrepreneur can be tough regardless of gender, but being a woman can make it even more difficult. Certainly, in my own experience and journey, I have had my share of challenges. Although this has helped me learn a great deal that has ultimately shaped my career path, it has also helped me become aware of the hardship female entrepreneurs face when launching their own businesses and the many obstacles they must overcome.
International Women’s Day serves as an important reminder of this. While it’s a given that women should feel empowered every day of the year, it gives us that space to think and reflect on how far we still have to go in our pursuit of true equality. As an industry, we must ensure that women’s voices are heard and included in key decision-making. Otherwise, we will continue to perpetuate the archaic idea that women are still second place in a man’s world. It is evident from all the successful and innovative women in the digital and tech industries that this could not be further from the truth. ”
“For me, working in a digital marketing agency that is over 50% women and mentoring some of these, International Women’s Day is a time to recognise and encourage younger women in the industry to be ambitious with their goals. I have worked in leadership position for a couple of years now, and at first where I found it daunting being the only woman in the conversation, I now find it empowering. I encourage all younger women to do the same – and for everyone in the industry to recognise the importance of having both points of view present, whatever the gender!”
“International Women’s Day is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and the need for continuous action towards gender parity.
While it’s important to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of women, it’s equally important to recognise that words alone are not enough. We need concrete actions to bring about meaningful change. This could mean supporting women’s education and career opportunities, advocating for policies that promote gender equality, and challenging gender stereotypes and biases.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our own actions and commitments towards gender equality. We must not only speak out against injustice but take real steps to create a more equitable and just world for all.”