“Inspiring Inclusion” this International Women’s Day

Sometimes it is difficult to separate International Women’s Day from any other day in a brand’s content calendar. On the 8th March, we will be inundated with posts on how companies have “inspired inclusion” and give themselves a real pat on the back. I love the concept of IWD and I understand the importance in social conversation but it is interesting to see online the common response “when is it International Men’s Day?”. It is actually on 19th November for those wondering.

A large part of me sees IWD as a day exclusive to corporate, middle class, employed women. Treated to cupcakes and pizza at lunchtime? Lucky you. It’s difficult to imagine women in Palestine, Syria or Afghanistan celebrate with sweet treats at lunchtime. Their plight is so much worse than navigating the social and career ladder and arguably more important such as trying not to be raped, murdered or - worse?

If you don’t want to look as far away as Africa or South Asia, think of the women living in poverty right on your doorstep. Women who can’t workout where their child’s next meal is coming from, where they’ll source care for their sick child or young women worrying where to get sanitary products.

I only heard about IWD when I started working in corporate-Ireland at 20. Whilst I appreciate, support and advocate for women in business - what about women in crisis? Instead of worrying tomorrow about how many likes your brand’s social media post gets maybe it’s best to be thankful for what you do have.