What Did International Women’s Day Mean to You?
On March 8, International Women’s Day, I was fortunate to be on an IWD Panel in Austin, sponsored by Ellevate Network. Ellevate is a professional women’s network whose mission is “To help women advance in the workplace, both for themselves and the greater good.” What a mission! Don’t we need more focus on the greater good in the workplace, and everywhere else?
As you would expect, the panel was asked a series of questions which we answered to the best of our ability. The first one was, “What does the celebration of International Women’s Day mean to you?” I had to think about that one. Frankly, just to have a day set aside to celebrate women is pretty cool. And then there’s that word “international”.
As an American woman who has had the opportunity to live and work outside the US, building relationships in many different countries, here’s what I’ve learned: while customs and cultures vary, women all over the world are not so different. We all want to be free, to do something valuable and to be valued, to make a difference, and to take care of ourselves and those we love. So, to me, International Women’s Day is more about similarities and shared goals, things we can all agree on and help each other achieve – globally. The greater good indeed.
Panel questions for you!
Here are the other questions our moderator, Image Consultant Raquel Greer Gordian asked the panel, in case you want to answer them for yourself. Or maybe organize a lunch and learn session with others at your workplace and share your answers.
1. What have been some of biggest struggles and triumphs as a woman in business?
2. Describe the 3 characteristics about yourself that you believe led to your success in business.
3. How does your work positively impact women of [your city] and/or women of the world?
4. What woman has positively impacted/inspired you in your career, and what’s one lesson she taught you?
5. What do you do on a regular basis to celebrate your woman self?
6. What’s a daily or weekly ritual you have that contributes to your ongoing success?
7. What’s something interesting you’re currently working on? Personal or professional.
It’s an amazing thing to discover what’s inside the people we think we know well. Their successes and failures, influences, rituals, hopes and dreams. Talk about empowering! To know we’re not alone, and not defective after all.
Go ahead – answer these questions with a friend. And then support each other – no, push each other forward! Maybe next year, International Women’s Day will mean that much more to you, as it will to me.
Erin McDermott Peterson is a Partner with PeopleResults. Follow her on Twitter @ErinMcPeterson or connect via email at epeterson@people-results.com