By Eustacia A. English - NRWA DEI Columnist
March is one of my favorite months because it’s Women’s History Month in the United States, and we celebrate International Women’s Day during the second week of the month. International Women’s Day reminds us to be even more mindful and welcoming of women from all continents, countries, and communities.
International Women’s Day is an inclusive and diverse celebration devoted to celebrating women's achievements while fighting for gender equality across the globe. This day aims to honor the impact of women worldwide and encourages people to challenge gender stereotypes, discrimination, and oppression.
For International Women’s Day in 2023, the official International Women’s Day organization will run a campaign on the theme of "Embrace Equity.” Meanwhile, this year, the United Nations’ official theme is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.”
Women and girls face many overlapping and intersecting challenges, like reproductive injustice, economic inequality, and ongoing discrimination. Historically, women of color, transgender women, and queer women have been subjected to even more harmful and isolating oppression than their White, cisgender sisters in America and beyond. However, on International Women’s Day, it’s important to learn more about the experiences of women all across the globe.
Here are some resources and learning materials for your educational pursuits:
- Read good news about women.
- Donate to organizations around the world that support women and girls.
- Help improve women’s health around the globe.
- Check out local and virtual event calendars for International Women’s Day events, fundraisers, or service projects near you.
- Have a women filmmakers movie marathon.
- Watch a documentary about women’s rights.
- Read books about gender equality.
- Learn about the challenges women and girls face around the world.
- Turn your good intentions into real change.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama once said, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” Celebrate women's achievements. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity. International Women’s Day belongs to everyone, everywhere.
I implore you to approach all of your celebrations with intersectionality and intention.
Eustacia English writes the Perspective column, which examines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in resume writing and career strategy. She is a 20-year HR and talent acquisition veteran and started Resumes on Demand last year. She also writes on DEI for The Black in HR e-zine. She lives with her husband and two children in Cherry Hill, NJ. Find her online at LinkedIn.com/in/ecampbell05.
