Today is International Women’s Day, celebrated and supported globally by industry, governments, educational institutions, community groups, professional associations, women’s networks, charities and non-profit bodies, the media, and more.
We are proud to be one of those businesses that support International Women’s Day, together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Today we would love to share with you what International Women’s Day means to some of the Women on the Fluid team.
Aimee Leyland | Fluid GTM Alliance Manager
What does International Woman’s Day mean to you? The day to acknowledge all women whom have endured & fought against the struggle for equality & independence across the centuries. The day we celebrate our freedom & rights achieved since the inception & momentum of IWD in 1911. May we continue to do so into the future.
What does the 2022 International Women’s Day slogan, #breakthebias mean to you in your work life? #breakthebias means removing any social concepts & judgements relating to the gender gap – whether it be for a woman or a man. Both genders have suffered from “preconceived ideals” of what our roles to each other in work, in life “should” be. In this new century, I find both genders are closing the gap & establishing newly defined shared roles to support each other. As it should be. Let’s leverage each of our strengths to enhance each other’s quality of life & achievements. Gender Together = Balanced Enhanced Power. I also like to celebrate men on IWD & women on IMD to close this gap. It shouldn’t be about gender any longer. We are all humans with emotions. We all have variable strengths & weaknesses- they can be complimentary.
Who inspires you? If I was to name names, the list would be too long (TLDR ! ) however any woman or man that has fought against injustice in this world.
Be it in a:
- David vs Goliath situation
- Human rights movements – such as abolishing abhorrent past incurrences of slavery
- Thoughtful leadership towards the evolution of our race – such as environmentally conscious goals integrated into every day corporate life ( & personal hopefully too !
- Supportive leadership towards growth – a primary priority here is to care for their people & what they need to succeed
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field?
- Be completely yourself – no one else delivers You better than You
- Be transparent in what drives your passion in life – if you love the way in which technology can empower people to operate in an easy, efficient way, then be that change
- Truly Listening is way more important than talking
- Humans are not robots – let us not forget the importance of healthy relationships with each other
- Love makes the world go round – Be the Light in all you do.
What could tech companies do to attract more women to the industry? I have witnessed tech companies shifting the paradigm to gender equality for a number of years now. It takes time, however we in this industry tend to be trail blazers. I am inspired by the vendors & partners I work closely with. They have adopted an attitude of change towards gender equality & conducting real, supportive action towards achieving this. Thank you!
Anything else that you’d like to share? There are many inspiring, truthful quotes from this magnificent Goddess we are no doubt all familiar with. These quotes silently echo in my head often, however one stand out favourite is, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Dr. Maya Angelou
Rachael Hedges, Marketing Director
What does International Woman’s Day mean to you? It means celebrating all women in our realm and beyond. To me, it’s a reminder to sit and really consider what bias women encounter and how I can be an ally to break bias.
What does the 2022 International Women’s Day slogan, #breakthebias mean to you in your work life? Being aware of bias and calling it out when I see it, in relation to any gender. Sometimes the conversations can be awkward, but they’re worth it.
Who inspires you? Women who push the boundaries. Who live fearlessly, courageously, follow their own path and passions, and are kind.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field? Lean in. Listen and learn and always be willing to put your hand up to advance yourself. If you won’t put your own hand up, consider why not – self-doubt and sabotage often hold us back more than anything else.
What could tech companies do to attract more women to the industry? Showcase the women who are in those roles and thriving already. Perception is rarely the reality. Create networking and support groups to discuss bias challenges so they know they’re not alone, and to discuss better ways to move forward.
Anything else that you’d like to share? I am inspired by the women who capture the essence of a Quaintrelle. Quaintrelle. (n) a woman who emphasizes a life of passion expressed through personal style, leisurely pastimes, charm, and cultivation of life’s pleasures.
May we all empahsize such a life and move courageously in our chosen careers!
Fluid CEO and Founder, Andrew Sjoquist shared his thoughts with us on IWD. “Today I celebrate all women – past, present, and future – in my life and consider the challenges of bias that are experienced globally on a daily basis. Everyone can play a role in forging gender parity where reward is based solely on attitude, ability, and effort, and that is an expectation for the entire team at Fluid. Advocacy, inclusive mindsets, and tangible action are needed from all for withstanding change and for a progressive and inclusive environment, which we strive to cultivate together.”
IWD provides an important moment to showcase commitment to women’s equality, launch new initiatives and action, celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness, highlight gender parity gains, and more.
Collectively every person and all groups can make a difference within their sphere of influence by taking concrete action to help build a more gender-equal world. From small powerful grassroots gatherings to large-scale conferences and events – International Women’s Day is celebrated everywhere. It’s a big day for inspiration and change.
For more information on how you can be involved, head to the IWD website.
