Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity. The 2023 campaign for International Women’s Day, celebrated on the 8th of March, is #EmbraceEquity.
Equity and equality are often used interchangeably, and International Women’s Day wants everyone to understand the difference between the two. While equality is important in some cases, it is the notion of giving everyone the exact same resources or opportunities. Equity, however, recognises that in other cases, different resources or opportunities need to be given to different people to reach an equal outcome. The crucial part in understanding the difference between these is that if we were to all be given the exact same resources and opportunities, that would be assuming that we all started out in the same place, which unfortunately in our world, isn’t the case.
The purpose of International Women’s Day is to celebrate the achievements of women in all areas – social, cultural, political and economic. It is also used to raise awareness of what changes need to be made to ensure and embrace equity. As outlined on the International Women’s Day website, this day is important to:
- Celebrate women’s achievements
- Educate and raise awareness for women’s equality
- Call for positive change advancing women
- Lobby for accelerated gender parity, and
- Fundraise for female-focused charities
So what can you do?
- Wear purple, green or white on the 8th of March to show you support #EmbraceEquity. Purple symbolises justice and dignity, green symbolises hope and white symbolises purity
- Thank the women in your life, and have them know they are seen, heard, and appreciated
- Hold an IWD event in your workplace and acknowledge your female staff and coworkers
- Fundraise for a female-focused charity
- Ensure to rally behind #EmbraceEquity every day of the year
