Despite the yearly celebration of Women’s Day in India, the reality still remains marked by glaring gender disparities. If we were to talk about the corporate sector alone, the persisting gender pay gap signifies economic inequality, limiting women’s financial independence. The dearth of women in leadership positions reflects a systemic imbalance, hindering diverse perspectives in decision-making. Women’s Day is much more than pink balloons and online shopping vouchers. Efforts must be made year-round to make sure workplaces are supporting and uplifting women as much as men.
Ghazal Alagh, the co-founder of Mamaearth, took to LinkedIn to share how she is “un-celebrating” Women’s Day this year.
View this post on Instagram
Despite being asked to speak at over 30 events, Ghazal decided to reject all the invitations because she believed that instead of speeches and a single-day celebration, we need to take meaningful actions that lead to actual change.
“I declined to speak at 30+ events on women’s day this year. It’s surprising how everyone suddenly wants to speak to you during these 3 days, making it irritating and posing unnecessary stress on you. Dare you decline any, and they start forming views around you being high-nosed,” she wrote.
“Even though Women’s Day is celebrated each year, unfortunately, the only thing it makes a difference in is its yearly theme. What remains constant are:
– Assumptions about women’s personal lives or career choices
– Constant societal pressures to conform to traditional roles
– A 27% pay gap for and only 25.2% women in the workforce.
– Lack of equal representation in leadership positions,” she further stated on LinkedIn.
She further suggested impactful ways in which women can be uplifted in workplaces which included encouraging equal opportunities, investing in initiatives that empower women, and educating the younger generation about gender equality.
“To celebrate women and their courage, then perhaps it’s time to do this instead:
– Encouraging equal opportunities for women in leadership roles.
– Investing in initiatives that empower women entrepreneurs.
– Educating the younger generation about gender equality,” she wrote.
View this post on Instagram
She ended by saying, “Women’s Day is not just about events, sweet boxes, and gift vouchers. It’s about taking meaningful actions that lead to change.”
Have a look at her full post here: