It’s time to celebrate! International Women’s Day is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide, while also advocating for gender equality. It’s a day to honour the contributions of women in every sphere of life and to recognize the progress that has been made, while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to achieve full gender parity.
Here are a few ways you can celebrate International Women’s Day:
Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about the achievements and struggles of women throughout history and in different parts of the world. Understanding the challenges women face can help create empathy and drive change.
International Women’s Day (IWD) has its roots in the early 20th century, emerging from the movements for women’s rights and labor rights in various parts of the world. The exact origins of IWD are somewhat complex, with different events and movements contributing to its development. Here’s a brief overview:
1908: The first significant event that contributed to the emergence of International Women’s Day was a protest organized by the Socialist Party of America in New York City on February 28, 1908. Women garment workers marched to demand better working conditions, shorter hours, and the right to vote.
1909: In accordance with a proposal by Clara Zetkin, a prominent German Marxist, International Women’s Day was established during the International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1910. Initially, it was suggested to be observed on March 19th, but later it was changed to March 8th, which has since been the official date for International Women’s Day.
1911: On March 19, 1911, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in several countries across Europe. In Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, women and men rallied for women’s rights, including suffrage, the right to work, and an end to gender discrimination.
Suffrage Movement: International Women’s Day became closely linked with the suffrage movement, as women across the world used the day to advocate for their right to vote. Over the years, the day also became a platform for broader discussions on women’s rights, equality, and social justice.
UN Recognition: In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day, marking the beginning of its global observance. Since then, the UN and various governments, organizations, and communities around the world have used the day to highlight the achievements of women and promote gender equality.
International Women’s Day continues to evolve as a day of celebration, reflection, activism, and advocacy, with millions of people participating in events, marches, and campaigns to advance women’s rights and gender equality worldwide.
- Support Women-Owned Businesses: Make a conscious effort to support women-owned businesses in your community or online. By doing so, you can contribute to women’s economic empowerment and help close the gender gap in entrepreneurship.
- Amplify Women’s Voices: Use your platform or social media channels to amplify the voices of women, especially those from marginalized communities. Share their stories, achievements, and perspectives to raise awareness and promote inclusivity.
Famous women in procurement & business
Indra Nooyi: Although she is best known as the former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi has also been recognized for her contributions to procurement and supply chain management. During her tenure at PepsiCo, she implemented innovative strategies to improve the company’s procurement processes and supply chain efficiency.
Ursula Burns: Ursula Burns is another prominent figure in business who has demonstrated expertise in procurement and supply chain management. She served as the CEO of Xerox Corporation and was the first African American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Burns played a key role in transforming Xerox’s procurement practices and driving cost savings.
Anne Rung: Anne Rung is a respected leader in the field of procurement who has held several high-profile roles in government and the private sector. She served as the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) in the United States and played a pivotal role in modernizing federal procurement practices and promoting innovation in government contracting.
Barbara Kux: Barbara Kux is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in procurement and supply chain management. She previously served as the Chief Procurement Officer and Member of the Managing Board at Siemens AG, where she implemented strategic initiatives to enhance the company’s procurement capabilities and drive sustainable growth.
Beth Ford: Beth Ford is the President and CEO of Land O’Lakes, a leading agricultural cooperative and food company. With a background in supply chain management and procurement, Ford has been instrumental in driving efficiency and innovation across Land O’Lakes’ operations
These women have not only excelled in their respective careers but have also made significant contributions to the field of procurement, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and strategic thinking. Their accomplishments serve as inspiration for aspiring professionals in procurement and supply chain management.
Advocate for Gender Equality: Get involved in advocacy efforts aimed at advancing gender equality and women’s rights. This could involve supporting campaigns, signing petitions, or contacting policymakers to push for policies that promote gender equity.
Celebrate Women in Your Life: Take the time to appreciate and celebrate the women in your life—whether it’s your mother, sister, friend, colleague, or mentor. Express gratitude for their contributions and support their aspirations and endeavors.
Attend Events or Workshops: Participate in International Women’s Day events, workshops, or panel discussions in your community or online. These events often provide opportunities for learning, networking, and engaging in meaningful discussions about gender equality.
Take Action: Use International Women’s Day as a catalyst for taking concrete actions to promote gender equality in your personal and professional life. Whether it’s challenging gender stereotypes, advocating for equal opportunities, or supporting initiatives that empower women, every action counts towards creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
Remember, celebrating International Women’s Day is not just about one day of recognition—it’s about fostering ongoing efforts to create a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive and fulfill her potential.
Lastly who is my International Women nomination? As this is a business post I’m going to plump for Sheryl Sandberg. I remember sitting in an audience at an event where she was giving a talk and she was empowering, her achievements speak for itself and a lot of people started to use the term “Lean In” I haven’t read her 2nd book but it’s about resilience after the death of her late husband. I remember she gave him a shout out as he was in the audience that evening, and I remember thinking this is such a sweet moment. There can be love and there can be adversity and then there can be a strength to love again. Today’s celebration is about the recognition that women deserve a day of their own! I celebrate International Women’s day with all the other women around the world!
If you would like to take a moment to reflect on yourself then check out Johari’s Window