Embracing Voices, Bridging Worlds: Reflections on International Women’s Day
Living 10,000 miles from home—honestly, it was far from familiar, especially when you have lived in the same place for 25 years. The Big Apple felt exciting but scary at once. The New York Women in Communications became a place of refuge–a cure for the chaos. Here, I have seen firsthand how the challenges and triumphs of womanhood differ across continents, all sharing a powerful common thread. It has opened my eyes to sisterhood, and how women stand up and lift one another.
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th every year. At its core, it is about unity and action. It spotlights issues like gender inequality, reproductive rights, and violence against women while celebrating the milestones achieved in these arenas. It marks a global call to action, a celebration of progress, and a reminder of the collaborative work in amplifying stories that deserve to be heard. Whether through marches, discussions, or digital campaigns, the spirit of IWD is reflected in every effort to uplift women’s rights.
My public relations and communications background has shown me the profound impact that storytelling can have in advancing women’s rights. I am surrounded by women leaders. Most of my career journey involves women bosses, from my internship years to being a full-time professional; women has always uplifted me. This gender’s intense power in my industry is insurmountable, proven by the presence of NYWICI. Connecting with and learning from inspiring women who share their journeys reinforced the idea that every story holds the potential to shift perceptions and spark action.
Climbing the career ladder can be challenging; sometimes, the minor details can have a significant impact. I was reminded of this during a casual conversation with some of my mentors at The John A. Hartford Foundation. We discussed something simple: whether to order business cards with rounded or pointy corners. But at that moment, I realized something profound: small details make a real difference. Research has shown that business cards are a part of brand assets, and “feminine” designs can hurt a woman’s professionalism, often misinterpreted as emotional. It took me by surprise. I mean, who would have thought something as simple as the shape of a business card could leave such an impression? It made me pause and think about how even our smallest choices shape how others see us.
This realization wasn’t just about business cards; it was a glimpse into the broader, often hidden biases we, as women, face in professional settings. It underscored that everyday decisions, no matter how small, can influence perceptions and impact a woman’s career.
“For me, International Women’s Day is a reminder of the strength found in every woman’s story—whether whispered in a classroom or shouted from the stages of global summits.”
As communicators, we have the unique power to amplify voices and shape narratives. International Women’s Day is a celebration and a call to harness this power responsibly. Let’s use our platforms—whether through writing, social media, or everyday conversations—to champion each other and the stories that must be told.
