Happy International Women's Day! Today we celebrate the achievements of women all around the world as they strive for gender equality.
The history of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th. This is a global day celebrating the achievements of women and highlights activities that accelerate women’s equality. IWD has occurred for over a century, with the first gathering back in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively around the world, and all IWD activity is valid. That’s what makes IWD so inclusive. To read more about the history of IWD, visit ‘The history of International Women’s Day’.
Inspiring inclusion around the world
The aim of IWD 2024 is to create a more inclusive world for women. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we create a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
IWD is an important day to:
- Celebrate women’s achievements
- Raise awareness about women’s equality
- Call for positive change
- Lobby for gender parity
- Fundraise for female-focused charities
We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek inclusion. Collective activism is what drives change, and we can all play our part to Inspire Inclusion.
Celebrating International Women’s Day at IQGeo ♥
To celebrate IWD 2024, we sat down with some of our amazing employees and partners to discuss what this day means to them. From sharing stories of inspiration and empowerment to discussing the biggest challenges women face in tech and the workplace today. We are proud to be a part of a community that values inclusion and diversity.
Huge thanks to all our contributors, check out their stories below.
Marina Nikita , Sales and Partner Manager, IQGeo
It’s a special day to remember the significant steps taken for gender equality in the workplace and life and that this journey is ongoing. Being a woman in tech, where we make up only 33%, it becomes apparent that educating women is the only means to achieve a structural change in the mentality towards girls and women’s position in society. To me, IWD reminds me of the actions we need to take as a society so that the future generations can live in a world where gender stereotypes do not define societal roles and expectations.
IQGeo fosters an environment that empowers everyone to speak up and where we feel valued and supported regardless of gender and nationality. We embrace diversity by having a workforce inclusive of different backgrounds and national origins with over 15 different nationalities (considering the size of our company, that’s impressive). We are also given the opportunity, through an online learning and teaching platform, to follow different courses and develop as professionals. The flexible working hours and work-from-anywhere policy for me as a working mom and expat, but also for all employees, brings work-life balance, allowing us to manage personal commitments alongside work. As a result, this improved well-being translates into less stress, better health, and increased productivity.
Mary Jackson, a mathematician and aerospace engineer, became the first African American female engineer at NASA and managed to successfully overcome the barriers of segregation and gender bias in the 50’s. Her perseverance and the exceptional quality of her work are an inspiration to me.
Women, and especially working moms in the tech industry, are still facing several challenges, including gender bias, stereotyping, and unequal pay. While this may be on a smaller scale compared to 10 years ago, it does still exist. However, it's very comforting to see more and more companies taking significant steps and initiatives to break down these barriers and address challenges by embracing diversity and inclusion and making everyone feel welcome. What has also helped a lot is that today, we see successful women in tech trying to close the gender gap by sharing their stories of overcoming these challenges. They are acting as role models to inspire others to persevere and succeed, which is so important, especially for young women who want to enter the male dominated tech market,.
Steve Tongish, Chief Marketing Officer, IQGeo
The ambition, accomplishment, and 113 year history of IWD is nothing short of amazing, and this years’ theme of “Inspire Inclusion” is a reminder of how much has been achieved, and how much still needs to be done. It’s been fantastic to work with, and learn from, so many talented and committed women throughout my career in technology. The diversity and inclusion of women brings an invaluable dimension that is essential to business success and social equality. Everyone, everyday should be inspiring inclusion for girls and women around the world. Happy IWD 2024!
Amita Belmont, Group Account Director, April Six
International Women’s Day marks an important moment each year, not just to bring attention to issues surrounding gender bias and inclusion, but to pause and celebrate all that has been achieved by the women in this world.
One story that always comes to mind at this time of year is that of Kathrine Switzer. At a time when it was believed that women were not built for endurance sports, Kathrine broke barriers by becoming the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, but not without having to physically fight off race officials. She boldly powered through because she knew she was more than capable of achieving something great, and eventually became one of the most iconic leaders in the running world.
Every woman I’ve encountered, both personally and professionally, has a story like Katherine’s, that speaks to their grit, determination, and talent. And I’m lucky enough to learn from, and be inspired by, these amazing women every single day.
Dayna Kornman, Program Director, IQGeo
For me personally it’s a reminder that everyone is entitled to opportunities and should be treated equally, whether that’s in their personal or career growth. For women specifically, IWD is a celebration of being able to choose; choose family, choose career, choose it all, choose none of it.
I'm proud to work for a company like IQGeo that values supporting women in their careers and families. Recently, we extended our maternity and parental policy to provide even more support. This not only helps women in their career growth but also supports families as a whole.
I'm inspired by the women in my life who continue to overcome obstacles and rise to the top. It's been amazing to see more women in management positions in the technology sector over the years.
Jennifer Vassil, Director of Membership, Fiber Broadband Association
International Women’s Day reminds me to feel gratitude each day for the women who have come before me and to honor their determination to be present and included. Women of all backgrounds helped pave the path toward my opportunities to be respected, treated equally, to receive formal education, to have my voice heard, and to make contributions in my workplace and in my community as well as participate in civic engagement. I realize that the work is not done to ensure inclusion and justice for all. The obstacles might differ from previous generations and the circumstances that challenge women are ever evolving, but we must continue to be vigilant in advocating and acting for women’s empowerment and nondiscrimination so that progress is not eroded, the ground gained is not relinquished, and indifference does not overshadow empathy and participation.
My mother was my first role model and has always been a woman of firm conviction, integrity, and action. She demonstrated strength, perseverance, and the courage to pursue what will improve the lives of others even when faced with adversity. Collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and the habits to consistently approaching circumstances with clear intention and purpose are qualities I admire in my mom. She is an advocate. Women and girls can all be advocates in our communities.
I am proud to work with the women on staff at the Fiber Broadband Association and our members and partners in the fiber industry and to be in the company of so many sharp, driven, and assertive women. The Fiber Broadband Association fosters diverse and differing perspectives and it is through discussion, reflection, understanding, and action that our strongest ideas and outcomes are realized. I have never worked closely with so many amazing women at one time, and they have taught me powerful lessons and motivated me to develop fortitude and resolve for a balanced life, as a professional woman, and as an individual who can “pay it forward” to girls and other women.
Ensuring digital equity and closing the digital divide are crucial to an inclusive society, one that allows women and girls to fully participate and for all of us to collectively work to improve the lives of others as we are all in this together and every positive action, regardless of size, impacts the greater good.
Alice Duff, Product Manager, IQGeo
At IQGeo, the culture is all about shared responsibility and collective success, which feels especially important as we celebrate International Women's Day. From the very beginning, I've been given the opportunity to take charge and grow, with the support of a fantastic team. Whether I'm collaborating with engineering, product managers, or presales, we're all working together to create the best products and build a great company.
I love connecting with our customers and working alongside my talented colleagues. IQGeo thrives on collaboration, and I find myself right in the heart of it. From sync calls to face-to-face meetings, every software release is a celebration of successful teamwork. It's about gathering feedback from diverse perspectives to create something truly impactful.
What's even more rewarding is seeing my role evolve into one of ownership and leadership, giving me the freedom to shape my responsibilities. It's inspiring to be surrounded by such amazing colleagues and to see more talented women joining the team. My time at IQGeo has been a blend of collaboration, warmth, and personal growth. It's a place where ideas are embraced, and where I feel empowered to drive change. I'm grateful to be part of this incredible journey.
Sahare Hamilton, Human Resource Administrator, IQGeo
Celebrating International Women’s Day at IQGeo isn’t limited to only one day of the year, and that’s thanks to the men and women in this company who are driven by fostering a work environment that emphasizes inclusivity. Being involved in human resources, I’m blessed with the privilege of being able to interact with so many employees and members of the team on a daily basis. I’m able to witness firsthand the capabilities that the women at IQGeo have and am given the opportunity to meet other women all over the country who are interested in a role with this company.
Since working at IQGeo, I have consistently been urged to celebrate my successes and strengths, as well as given choices to continue learning. This company has several different branches that all rely on each other and collaborate with one another, which helps create an inclusive environment no matter what role you fall under. Working with this company and closely with members of the team produces a community that welcomes flourishing expansion in one’s career.
I was raised by strong, independent, and dedicated women my entire life. I am a culmination of my mother and my two older sisters and was raised to uplift any woman in my life. Here at IQGeo, I am continuously in awe of the educated and driven women that we have in our team that are helping to pave the path for women in tech globally. I wish I could thank all of the women from the past that fought for our right for education and equal opportunities, and all of the women today who take advantage of these opportunities and encourage further growth for our future women leaders.
Emilija Borchers, Membership & Administration Manager, FTTH Council Europe
In the spirit of International Women's Day, I take a moment to look back and acknowledge our progress towards equality, justice and empowerment and the work that still lies ahead. For such a dynamic industry, this day should signify a collective recognition of women's diverse talents and perspectives at the forefront of telecommunications. In this regard, I am pleased to see my organisation championing inclusion by fostering an environment where every voice is heard, empowering individuals to thrive. However, while progress has been made, challenges persist for women in tech, including gender bias and under representation.
For this reason, I call on Maya Angelou's words for all of us to make these words our own: "Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly without claiming it, she stands up for all women". So, on this day, remember no action goes unnoticed. Use your voice to advance the world towards inclusion and equality for all.
I would like to remind you of the importance of balance, rest and self-compassion in pursuing equality and justice each day, especially in a world that often demands so much from women.
Josha Ancheta, Technical Support Manager, IQGeo
The welcoming atmosphere and positive company culture at IQGeo have created an environment where I feel not only valued but also inspired to contribute my best. The flexibility, including the option to work from home, further enhances my work-life balance, especially as an expat in Belgium with family across the miles, and the supportive team fosters a collaborative and inclusive space.
In my commitment to professional growth, I am actively enhancing my people management skills, a journey supported by IQGeo through sponsorship for a management course at Vlerick Business School. This ongoing learning process has equipped me to navigate challenges in managing diverse personalities within the team and handling client-facing situations effectively.
The incredible team I work with at IQGeo is what truly makes this place special. Their support, approachability, and willingness to go above and beyond have made my experience here truly enjoyable. It's more than just working together; it's about creating a collaborative and inclusive space where everyone feels valued. I am proud to be a part of such an amazing team.
Tom Ferland, VP/Global Head of HR, IQGeo
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, we have an opportunity to reflect and look forward to shaping our environment so that every individual—regardless of gender—feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. IQGeo is nothing if not an innovative company. Research consistently shows that gender-diverse companies drive innovation, make better decisions, and achieve higher financial performance. When we actively foster an inclusive workplace, we unlock a wealth of benefits. It is not only the right thing to do, it is a competitive advantage to do so. By challenging stereotypes, dismantling biases, and amplifying diverse voices, we create a culture where everyone belongs. IWD 2024 is a great moment to focus on women’s invaluable contributions to any successful organization!
Heather Kimiecik, Event Manager, IQGeo
International Women's Day is a reminder, a call to action, to accelerate equality across minority voices. How do we promote inclusive and supportive interactions in a world that can feel divisive? I would say IQGeo promotes diversity in our hiring, offering career opportunities, and encouraging open discussion. I think IQGeo creates awareness about diverse perspectives missed otherwise in giving space to people that others may have turned away.
Inspirational women surround us every day! We have dedicated women in our workplace who advocate for their voices, trailblazing in an industry where there is still underrepresentation.
Let’s Inspire Inclusion, together ♥
We must not forget that achieving gender equity is not just up to women - we need allies of all genders to come together and support the advancement of women in all aspects of life. Only together, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
For International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond, let’s Inspire Inclusion by making every day an opportunity to empower and uplift women everywhere.
#InspireInclusion ♥
Previous
