Steeped in history, is the genesis of the International Women’s Day — a day which was once nothing short of a distant dream. Earlier celebrated on the 28 th Day of February, it is now celebrated on the 8 th Day of March, to celebrate the joy of being a woman. However, it did not always start that way, on the contrary, traces of its origin was in a society shrouded in the superiority of men — something that is still being battled over in the corporate scenario.
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Origin of International Women’s Day
This day, which embarks upon the persistent struggle for gender equality and for the protection of the rights of women, was recognized by the United Nations in 1975. Although the very first Women’s Day was held on the 28 th Day of February, back in 1909, by the Socialist Party of America, it soon changed. If you are thinking it has something to do with leap years, then you are utterly mistaken. The 28 th Day of February shall always remain memorable for the movement that shook the American garment industry, when women marched with placards and banners, and sought equality. On the other side of the world, on the 8 th Day of March, 1917, women in Soviet Russia earned themselves the right to choose their leader and vote — the right to suffrage. Subsequently, the UN chose to celebrate womanhood every year, on the 8 th Day of March, starting from the year 1975. Although, a lot seems to have changed ever since, the corporate culture reflects an entirely different set of facts.
Significance of Women’s Day in the Corporate World
No matter how much the corporate world tries to conceal it, but there always lies a very large gap between the genders. This lack of parity has led to the International Woman’s Day, which has, in turn led to major improvements in certain quarters of the corporate world. Let us now look into some major issues that haunt the womenfolk in the corporate world.
Equal Opportunity, Equal Pay Discrimination starts at the very threshold of the corporate world, with countless companies preferring men over women. As a result, women are outnumbered by men, in most organizations and deprived of equal opportunity. If studies are to be believed, 80 cents are paid to women against every dollar paid to a man in the US. However, that ratio seems outrageously close, as compared to the reality. Companies like Small World are working hard to change this trend, yet there is still a long way to go. Small World firmly believes in the age-old adage that ‘Actions speak louder than words’, and has therefore taken all the necessary measures required to promote gender equality. This is evidenced by the fact that around 58 percent of its total workforce comprises of women. Besides, welfare of working women is the focal point of the human resource policies formulated by Small World.
Discrimination
Women belonging to almost all professions are faced by the wrath of being treated in an unwelcome and an unreasonable manner, especially when it comes to their pay. This is not only restricted to the corporate world but also exists in other spheres such as academics, media and politics. Recently, women have begun speaking about this issue, and have taken it head on. In 2018, celebrities and public figures such as Catt Sadler, who walked out of ‘E!’, and Oprah Winfrey have created headlines. Oprah Winfrey stood up for her female colleagues and ensured that they get a raise, or she quits. An extremely dangerous move for her career, yet truly inspirational. Despite these changes, it cannot be denied that there are millions of women worldwide, who still crave for just and equal treatment.
Crime against women
In 2018, the world witnessed the aftermaths of one of the most remarkable movements in history — the MeToo movement. Although this campaign began in 2017, it rattled Corporate America in 2018, with countless women coming out of the closet, and admitting what they’ve been through. With this movement, women have told the world about the harassment and oppression that they’ve encountered behind the corporate veils. However, crime against women is not restricted to the corporate world, alone. In fact, it seems like women aren’t even safe in their own homes. The UN Reports confirm that every year over 30,000 women die, as a result of domestic violence. With all the awareness and change in the mindset of the masses, the social menace of female foeticide has been curbed to an extent, but crime against women continues to be a concern. Also, the hard-hitting facts clearly reflect the need for further reforms, however, there has also been some good news. After centuries of being oppressed and discriminated, women have eventually earned themselves a visible place in the society. In fact, last year has been spectacular for women worldwide. All of this was possible because finally women all over the world stood up, and they did so together. With this, women seem to have emerged on a stronger note. The very themes of the 2019 International Women’s Day — ‘More power together’ and ‘Balance for Better’ reflect that, nonetheless, there lies a long journey ahead in achieving gender parity.
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