#BreakTheBias this International Women's Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) brings together women from every corner of life to raise awareness as well as to challenge the daily injustices of women. As Carolynn Komlosy, our Senior Marketing Specialist here at Pouch, points out:
"Acknowledge that gender equality is a priority and find ways to amplify the 'female voice'. And support other women." – Carolynn Komlosy
What is the purpose of International Women’s Day?
The purpose of International Women’s Day is to champion the achievements made by women throughout history. This day represents a continued mission to strive for gender equality, shine a light on the issues and inequalities affecting women across the world, and open discussions about how we can bring about positive change.
The origin of IWD goes back to the early 1900s and has evolved to become the inspiring movement it is today where people all over the world collectively celebrate the successes of the world’s brave women, both past, present and future.
What does International Women's Day mean to Pouch?
Here at Pouch we have a really special group of smart, creative and empowered women that are total bosses in what they do without having to suppress their warmth. Moreover, the Pouch Team is helping create access to educational resources and safe spaces to encourage conversations surrounding equality in the workspace.
Why do we need International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day intends to challenge collectively the societal norms, unjust laws, and lacking human rights in all corners of the world. IWD is about uniting to inspire change.
It's in no shape, or form is it supposed to put men down. It's about raising up yourself without putting others down. IWD is here to inspire gender equality ‒ that’s equality for all men, women, non-binary people, and everyone in-between.
There are already conversations about changing the name to ‘Civil Awareness Day, ‘Anti-Discrimination Day’, or ‘Anti-Sexism Day' to counteract the potential misinterpretation of only using the term ‘women’.
How to celebrate International Women’s Day
Now that you know a little more about IWD and why we need it, here are 10 things you can do to leave your impact on this year's International Women’s Day:
#BreakTheBias This year's IWD campaign theme #BreakTheBias encourages us to stand up for a gender equal world. To create a diverse, fair, and inclusive space for everyone. A free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. Stand together so we can #BreakTheBias.
Share your story about your experiences and achievements. Shout out to women who inspire you, come together to help promote gender equality on social media.
Send special 'thank you's' to your female friends and family. We often take our loved ones for granted. Show them how meaningful they are to you. It'll only strengthen your bond.
Read a book inspired by feminism, like Everyday Sexism, How to Be a Woman, More Than Enough, or one of the amazing creations by Maya Angelou.
Research female icons that aren't that well-known and share their inspiring stories.
Get together with friends and family to exchange experiences and thoughts on women’s rights, equality, or even books and movies that are related to these topics.
Support more female-owned brands. Show your recognition of amazing female-led & -owned businesses by shopping and using their products.
Be part of a local Women’s Day 2022 event close by to you. If you can't find one, help organise one yourself.
Contribute with donations to a female-empowering charity.
Dress in the colours of International Women’s Day - purple, green, and white. The official IWD website explains, that purple stands for justice and dignity. Green represents hope. White symbolises purity.
Last but not least, an inspiring insight from one of our influential feminist thinkers, Maya Angelou:
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.” ― Maya Angelou