Voices of hope ahead of International Women’s Day

Globally, tech firms suffer from a serious gender imbalance, with a study from consultancy Accenture and NGO Girls Who Code showing the proportion of women working in the sector is now smaller than in 1984. — © AFP

United Nations International Women’s Day is coming up on March 8, 2024. This year’s theme is “Inspire Inclusion” (#InspireInclusion). The website explains:

“The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.”

The following female executives from Datadobi had this to say about this important day.

In building up for the event, Erica Cronan, Global Director of Marketing, Datadobi, tells Digital Journal:  “I love International Women’s Day – it’s like a global pep rally celebrating how far we ladies have come while firing us up to keep that momentum raging. You can’t help but feel inspired thinking about the bold trailblazers throughout history who broke down barriers against all odds. The unstoppable suffragettes, straight-up heroes like RBG, Amelia Earhart, Serena – those unapologetic women heard “no” and “you can’t” as a challenge to demolish.”

Continuing the theme of being inspired, Cronan adds; “Because of their grit and vision, we now get to chase any ambition without archaic limits or questioning our equality as women. We’re CEOs, world leaders, champion athletes – because they kicked open doors that used to be locked shut. Of course, there’s still work to be done. But on this day, I like reveling in how women have defied the haters again and again, proving our limitless potential.”

In terms of the objectives and learning points from the international celebration, Cronan surmises: “IWD means toasting the brave ones before us while channeling that same spirit as we keep forging new paths. The future’s looking so bright for women and girls – now that’s something worth cheering loud and proud!”

Also commenting is Sandy Mahla, District Sales Manager, Datadobi. In reflecting her thoughts and feelings of the event, Mahla states: “International Women’s Day (IWD) is a good time to both reflect and set our sights on work that remains. As a working woman in a field still dominated by men, I see how far women have come through sheer grit, determination and necessity to provide for ourselves and our families. The battles fought by previous generations like Grace Hopper, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, our moms and aunts make our journey easier. And, I am grateful for organizations, like Datadobi, that provide opportunities for employees to thrive based on their merits and contribute to their full potential.”

The fight is not over. Mahla observes: “But there is still work to do. How is it in 2024 we are still dealing with pay gaps, being passed over for promotions, and having to fight twice as hard to get a seat at the table? And why do we as women feel we must be more than fully qualified for a new role while our male colleagues are willing to “go for it” with half the experience? The hard work is figuring out how to build organizations that don’t just give lip service about diversity but genuinely hear and value different voices and perspectives.”

In terms of practical solutions, Mahla points out: “It’s easy for companies to initiate some training and call it a day on diversity. But creating a culture where each person feels empowered to speak up, turn off their phones at night, take their PTO and be part of something bigger than themselves is the trick. That’s the difficult part we’ve got to keep grinding on, day in and day out. Creating workplaces where people feel secure enough to offer new ideas, point out obstacles and discuss discrepancies without fear of reprisal is key.”