International Women’s Day 2023 – Embrace Equity

On March 8th of every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated around the world since the early 1900s. The day is marked by events, rallies, and other activities that highlight women’s achievements and advocate for gender parity. The United Nation’s theme for the year 2023 International Women’s Day is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. 

DigitALL is an initiative aimed at leveraging innovation and technology to advance gender equality. The program focuses on promoting digital inclusion and closing the digital gender divide, as well as on creating a more diverse and inclusive technology industry. The program supports a range of initiatives, including:

• Digital literacy and skills training for women and girls, to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in the digital economy.
• Access to affordable and reliable technology, including hardware and software, to ensure that women and girls can fully participate in the digital world.
• Encouraging the participation of women and girls in STEM fields, to help bridge the gender gap in these high-growth industries.
• Promoting diversity and inclusion in the technology industry, including through targeted recruitment and retention strategies.
• Investing in women-led tech startups, to support the growth of women-led businesses and to create more diverse and inclusive ecosystems.

Role of Women in Entrepreneurship and Management Education

International Women’s Day (IWD) is an important opportunity to highlight the role of women in entrepreneurship and management education. Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges, including access to funding, limited access to networks, and gender-based discrimination, but they also bring unique strengths and perspectives to the business world.

Management education plays a critical role in preparing women for leadership positions and helping them to overcome these challenges. Business schools and other educational institutions can promote gender equality and empower women by offering programs that focus on the needs of women entrepreneurs and managers, as well as by promoting diversity and inclusion in the classroom and the workplace. Some examples of initiatives that support women in entrepreneurship and management education include:

• Women’s entrepreneurship centers and programs, provide training, resources, and networking opportunities specifically designed for women entrepreneurs.
• Women’s leadership programs focus on developing the skills and confidence necessary for women to succeed in leadership roles.
• Mentoring and networking programs, provide women with access to mentors and peers who can offer guidance and support.
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives, promote a more diverse and inclusive business environment and help to overcome gender-based discrimination and bias.

Take Away

By leveraging innovation and technology for gender equality, DigitALL aims to create a more equitable and prosperous future for women and girls around the world. By supporting women in entrepreneurship and management education, we can help to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. If you educate a woman, you are educating a family. If you educate a family, you are educating a generation. An equal world is a better world.