As International women's day approaches, I find myself reflecting on its significance. For me, this time of the year is about celebrating Mother's Day, honouring the incredible woman who raised me with small tokens of love and words of affirmation. Yet, thanks to the insights from P&C team at Gemba Advantage , this year feels different. It's not just about celebrating; it's about introspecting and advocating for the theme #InspireInclusion.
The concept of inclusion, especially for women, hits close to home. As a professional straddling the worlds of nursing and tech, I've seen the disparities, and the triumphs first-hand. In nursing, predominantly female, the challenges are unique - often we're fighting for recognition and respect in an environment where our contributions are vital yet sometimes undervalued. In tech, the terrain shifts. Here, as a woman, you find yourself in a minority, striving to carve out a space in a male-dominated field. These experiences have shaped my understanding of why campaigns like #InspireInclusion are not just necessary but essential.
Reflecting on my African heritage, I recall stories of women warriors and leaders who changed the course of history. They were more than just nurturers; they were nation builders, activists, and revolutionaries. This duality exists in every woman. In the tech industry, we saw phenomenal women like Grace Hopper, computer programming pioneer, and Sheryl Sandberg, a beacon in leadership and business. Their stories are not just inspiring; they are a testament to what women can achieve when given equal opportunities.
Yet, here's the crux of my reflection- why is it that, despite these towering examples, women often find their paths riddled with obstacles? Is it culture, societal norms, or institutional biases that clip our wings? In my journey, I've felt this push and pull - the desire to soar professionally while grappling with preconceived notions of what a woman should be.
On this Day, let's do more than just inspire inclusion. Let's actively challenge the norms that hold women back. Whether it's in nursing, tech, and beyond, women have proven time and again that they are not just capable, but exceptional.
I call upon my network to not only acknowledge this but to champion it. Let's
#ShoutOutLoud for women in all spheres, ensuring their voices are heard, their achievements celebrated, and their potential unleashed. As we embrace the theme #InspireInclusion, I invite you to join me in this journey of reflection and action. Together, we can build a world where inclusion isn't an aspiration, but a reality.
And, as a teaser for what’s to come on the actual day, I recently watched a thought-provoking video of Indra Nooyi, Former CEO of PepsiCo, discussing the intricate balance between a woman's biological clock and her career clock. This discussion opened up some fascinating conversations among my friends and me, which I plan to delve into on #internationalwomensday2024 #WomenInTech
National Sales Director | Expert in Business Development, Sales & Remote Team Leadership | Tech-Savvy & Data-Driven Strategist | Delivering YOY Growth & Building High-Performing Teams
4moWow, it's fantastic to see a C-suite led by such accomplished women! OpenTable is setting a great example for the industry. #Leadership #Inspiration