March is dedicated to the accomplishment of women and gender equality. This is a time to reflect on women and gender-diverse individuals who have fought tirelessly for equal rights, representation, and opportunity. March 8 was International Women’s Day, a day that called for us to:
· Celebrate women’s achievements;
· Educate and raise awareness about women’s equality;
· Call for positive change;
· Lobby for accelerated gender parity.
We must continue to strive for a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination; a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where differences are valued and celebrated. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is not about giving unqualified candidates an edge. Rather, it calls for us to recognize the humanity within each other and treat each other with respect and dignity.
Across the country, there have been efforts to dismantle DEI-focused hiring practices under the false premise that they prioritize identity over merit. This rhetoric distorts the true purpose of equitable hiring, which is to ensure candidates are assessed based on their qualifications and value brought to an organization. DEI policies aim to remove factors like race, social connections, and personal affiliations from the hiring process to promote a more equitable evaluation.
Gender equality isn’t just a women’s issue. It is a human issue. The fight for equity impacts all of us, regardless of gender. When everyone has the same opportunities to succeed, our society as a whole will flourish. Equitable access to education, healthcare, career opportunities and social participation should not be a privilege, but a right for all people.
International Women’s Day isn’t only about celebrating the achievements of women; it is also about acknowledging the challenges that still exist, from unequal pay and under representation in leadership roles to gender-based violence and discrimination. We must continue to work together to break down barriers and build a world where everyone, regardless of gender has an equitable chance to thrive.
Let us remember that progress doesn’t happen overnight. It takes constant dedication, collective effort and support for one another. Whether it is advocating for women’s rights, mentoring young girls, or ensuring equitable opportunities in the workplace, we all have a role to play.
So, on this special month, let us celebrate the achievements of women and gender-diverse individuals, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where gender equality isn’t just a goal but a reality for all.
In Service,
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion