The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ a powerful call to action that resonates deeply with our company values. In our journey towards fostering a more inclusive world, we recognize the pivotal role women play not only in our company but in society at large.
As we approach International Women’s Day 2024, the world is once again gearing up to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. At SMTP2GO, this day holds special significance as we reflect on our commitment to inclusion, diversity, and empowerment, particularly within our workforce.
At SMTP2GO, we take pride in the fact that the majority of our support team and review team are women. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a testament to our dedication to inclusivity and equality. We firmly believe that diversity in the workplace leads to better decision-making, increased creativity, and ultimately, greater success for us, and our clients.
We understand the far-reaching benefits that gender equality brings to society, the economy, the environment, and innovation as a whole.
Societal Benefits: When women are included and empowered, entire communities thrive. Studies (listed below) have shown that investing in women’s education, healthcare, and economic opportunities leads to lower poverty rates, improved child health and nutrition, and increased social stability.
Economic Benefits: Women’s participation in the workforce isn’t just a matter of equality; it’s also a matter of economic necessity. According to McKinsey & Company, advancing gender equality could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025. By breaking down barriers to women’s employment and entrepreneurship, we can unlock tremendous economic growth and prosperity.
Environmental Benefits: Women are disproportionately affected by climate change, yet they also possess unique insights and solutions to address environmental challenges. When women are included in decision-making processes related to sustainability and conservation, we see more holistic and effective approaches that benefit both people and the planet.
Innovation Benefits: Diversity drives innovation. Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more creative, produce better outcomes, and are better equipped to solve complex problems. By ensuring women have equal opportunities to contribute their perspectives and talents, we unlock a wealth of innovation that propels society forward.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, let us not only recognize the achievements of women but also recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of inspiring inclusion. Together, we can create a world where every woman and girl feels valued, respected, and empowered to pursue her dreams.
So, how can you get involved in the ‘Inspire Inclusion’ movement?
Whether advocating for gender equality in your workplace and society, supporting women-owned businesses, or championing policies that promote women’s rights, every action counts. Check out the IWD’s Women in the Workplace study to see where we currently stand. Let’s strike the #InspireInclusion pose and show solidarity in our commitment to building a more inclusive world.
Although society is moving forward, we still have a long way to go- some countries more than others. As a New Zealand-head-quartered country, we’re proud to see that we’re making progress towards equality.
According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index no country has yet achieved full gender parity, although the top nine countries (… New Zealand…) have closed at least 80% of their gap.
At SMTP2GO, we’re proud to stand with women everywhere as we collectively strive for equality, opportunity, and inclusion. Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day 2024 and let’s continue to inspire inclusion, today and every day.
If you’d like to take a deeper dive into the studies mentioned above, you can find them listed below:
- World Bank. “World Development Report 2012: Gender Equality and Development.” Washington, DC: World Bank, 2011.
- This report examines the relationship between gender equality and development, emphasizing the importance of investing in women’s education for economic growth, increased labor force participation, and improved development outcomes.
- The Lancet. “Maternal and Child Undernutrition: Global and Regional Exposures and Health Consequences.” The Lancet, Volume 371, Issue 9608, Pages 243-260, January 2008.
- This series highlights the critical role of women in ensuring the health and nutrition of children. Investing in women’s health and nutrition leads to improved child health outcomes and overall well-being.
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “Gender Equality, Poverty Reduction, and Inclusive Growth.” New York: UNDP, 2016.
- This study explores the relationship between gender equality, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth. Empowering women and promoting gender equality are essential for achieving social stability, reducing poverty, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
- McKinsey & Company. “The Power of Parity: Advancing Gender Equality in Asia Pacific.” McKinsey Global Institute, 2018.
- This report examines the economic benefits of advancing gender equality. It highlights the potential addition of $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025 through measures such as increasing women’s labor force participation and entrepreneurship.
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “Women and the Environment.” Nairobi: UNEP, 2016.
- This publication explores the link between gender equality and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes the role of women as agents of change in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.
- Harvard Business Review. “How Diversity Can Drive Innovation.” Harvard Business Review, December 2013.
- This article discusses the relationship between diversity and innovation in organizations. It highlights how diverse teams, including gender-diverse teams, are more creative and better equipped to solve complex problems, leading to innovation and improved business performance.
