Celebrating women one day a year isn't enough

International Women's Day is more than just a date in the calendar, it's a symbol of empowerment, call for equality and celebration of the remarkable achievements of women worldwide. As we celebrate this year's theme of Inspiring Inclusivity, let's not merely pay lip service to these ideals. Let's truly embody them in every aspect of our lives, striving for true inclusivity in every sphere, be it corporate, social, or political. 

Inclusion at work

When we acknowledge and respect how different and unique each woman is in the workplace, we are more likely to close the gap between gender and cultural differences by promoting and accepting what makes us distinct. True progress is achieved when we embrace and celebrate the diversity that each woman brings to the table, be it in innovation or unique skills and experiences. 

Yet despite strides made, gender disparity persists, hindering the advancement of women. Just today, I spoke to a senior medical practitioner saying she desired to elevate her visibility at work to get equal recognition as her male colleagues. I felt her frustration, she does very well, but still faces obstacles in a male-dominated industry to be noticed and heard. Sadly, being shy, slightly introverted, or overly feminine, are some of the unfair gender biases that keep us a few steps behind men. It's incumbent upon leaders in every industry to break down these barriers, acknowledging individual potential and fostering equal opportunities in the workplace. 

Inclusion in a social setting 

While words like empowerment, support, and lifting others, are overly used, true progress requires authentic action. These words often leave me feeling exasperated, and I feel these words are simply trendy, superficial, and lacking substance if not truly implemented. 

When women support each other genuinely, with empathy and respect, we create a network of solidarity rooted in fairness and kindness. Sharing stories of both triumphs and challenges, offering non-judgement advice, and celebrating each other's success no matter how small, are the hallmarks of genuine support. International Women's Day reminds us to be authentically kinder, to forge stronger connections, and to amplify our voices together, breaking down gender bias and propelling more women into the spotlight. 

Being the best you can

Ultimately, true empowerment begins with self-awareness and self-celebration. We must first recognize our worth before we can uplift others. Whether it's our friends, daughters, or mothers, celebrating the unique qualities of each woman strengthens our collective resolve. With this self-assurance, we can demand the respect and recognition we deserve from male counterparts, fostering equality and inclusion on a larger scale. 

As we commemorate International Women's Day, let's not only reflect on progress made but recommit ourselves to the larger picture and journey ahead. Together, we can inspire inclusion, celebrate diversity, and forge a future where every woman can thrive. 

Shireena Shroff Manchharam is a Her World Tribe member, the founder and principal consultant of Sheens Image Consulting, and the founder and creator of Getting to Happy, a mental health movement to inspire our community and society to live happier, more mindful lives.