The focus of the 2019 International Women’s Day on March 8 is building a gender-balanced world. In honor of the global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women – as well as marking a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
Many said they would like to speed up the pace of change because the percentage of women in top positions – in the supply chain and elsewhere – has been so slow to change
They want “more” for women in many areas:
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“My hope is that we continue to attract and retain more women in Supply Chain.”
“More women rising to the C-suite – and to membership on public or private boards.”
“More women among Fortune 500 CEOs.”
“More men who will be women’s allies.”
“More firsts for women, like the first woman captain of a Celebrity Cruise ship or the first woman to be the Great Smokey Mountains National Park’s chief ranger.“ (*See note from AWESOME below.)
They want specific changes:
- “My hope is we have a 20% increase in women in VP and above supply chain leadership positions a year from now.”
“To build powerful and integrated international talent development and rotation programs.”
- “As the #metoo movement and #TimesUp movements have put 2 key women-in-business issues front and center – what I’d like to see for the next year is that these 2 issues stay front and center in the Business World. I’d like to see all companies, large and small – really put focus on solving these issues once and for all and they won’t get solved if they get pushed to the bottom of the priority list.”
And they have a broad, sweeping vision:
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“May every meeting, every conference, every team, include gender diversity going forward.”
“That all women and girls worldwide are free to choose the education and field of study/work they desire.”
“That we will have reached gender parity in corporate board and executive leadership of Fortune 500 companies.”
“Standing tall across the globe to end gender inequality and end extreme poverty with a focus on women and girls.”
They take it personally
- “I used to think that leadership was for someone else. I now feel I have a responsibility to use what talents and skills I have to their max.”
And they are interested in the success of other women.
- “It’s so easy to get caught up in your own situation. I’ve promised to myself I’ll keep checking on the progress other women are making.”
“I hope that every woman who makes it to the top will do what she can to support the women coming after her.”
“I’m doing what I can to help other women – it’s become a priority for me. Because if not me, who? If not now, when?”
“My goal is to not have to say next year at this time ‘Well, maybe next year. Instead, I want to be saying, ‘We did it!’”
“I want to see every woman gain more confidence so she can stretch whatever limits she’s facing.”
* (Note from AWESOME, we followed up on the cruise captain “first”– and we think you’ll enjoy the inspiring story on CBS News about Kate McCue.)