Image via Human Rsources Online
Countries all over the globe will be uniting for International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8. While the day shines a light on the the social, economic, cultural and political achievements women have made, it’s also a chance to underscore the work still to be done and the actions we can take to raise awareness about women’s equality and lobby for accelerated gender parity. It’s one of the most important days of the year to fundraise for female-focused charities too.
Wherever they are in the world, women will be marking IWD by attending community gatherings, conferences, speaking events, exhibitions, festivals, fun runs, corporate events, concerts, online digital gatherings and more. However, before you consider joining one of the exciting events, it’s important to understand this year’s #BreakTheBias campaign theme. Whether intentional or unconscious, bias, which is defined as "prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair," makes it hard for women to make headway. It makes it difficult for women to get hired or promoted and negatively impacts their day-to-day experiences. That’s why action is needed to level the playing field. Contrarily, women’s equality can progress in a world where differences are valued and celebrated, whether that’s in local communities, workplaces and educational institutions.
“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable and inclusive,” organisers state on the IWD site.
“Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.”
Did You Know?
Sixty percent of women experience bias at work.
Strike The Pose
Show your solidarity and commitment to calling out prejudice, shattering stereotypes, breaking inequality and rejecting discrimination by striking the IWD #BreakTheBias pose. And after crossing your arms as seen, post your image, video, presentation, article or resource on social media, adding #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias to pass the message on.
You can also share a brief statement about a bias that you think needs breaking.
