International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day of celebration and commemoration of the historical, social, cultural, economic, and political achievements of women who have pushed boundaries despite barriers and obstacles. As we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day globally and Women’s History Month in many countries, I invite you to join hands in raising awareness and building a world that is free of biases, stereotypes, inequities, and discrimination.
At Pega, we believe that to be a successful business and best serve our clients, communities, and employees, we must create a workplace that not only welcomes but also celebrates our differences. To be a place where everyone feels they belong and their voices heard, respected, and valued.
As I reflect on the 2023 IWD theme of #embraceequity, it is more important than ever before to recognize that everyone has diverse needs, lived experiences, and circumstances. And to achieve career and professional goals, they need access to resources, development, and opportunities that will result in equal outcomes. To achieve the goal of equity:
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We invest in communities in the form of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) – so our women can come together to interact in a safe space and provide support for growth and advancement. The Women@Pega ERG focuses on recruitment, career advancement, social impact, and allyship efforts. Currently, more than 51% of women are active members of the ERG.
- We believe that large-scale cultural change requires sizeable groups of people. Therefore, we’ve built a strong network of allies who understand, empathize, and take informed action in support of women.
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Our mentoring program empowers women by providing them with visibility and access to opportunities, preparing them for future challenges through shared experiences and a network of connections. But most importantly, mentors also act as champions and advocate for their mentees.
- We host inclusive leadership and workplace workshops that allow participants to become aware of their biases and act as advocates for women and underserved communities.
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We forge strategic partnerships with global nonprofit organizations such as Girls in Tech, which is focused on eliminating the gender gap. We also support Science Club for Girls, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based nonprofit that provides free, experiential programs to foster excitement, confidence, and literacy in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for girls and gender-expansive youth from underrepresented communities.
Every small action matters when it comes to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workplace. It is important to recognize that achieving gender equality is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and commitment. Therefore, during this Women’s History Month and beyond, I encourage you to take action. I am a firm believer that all women should have the financial independence to achieve their dreams, and therefore I choose to volunteer my time for a non-profit organization called Women’s Money Matters that helps build financial wellness, confidence, and security in women and girls living on low incomes. Find your passion and a way to make a difference.
Here are a few ways we all can make a difference:
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Use gender-inclusive language. Language influences our culture, attitudes, and perceptions. Therefore, using gender-inclusive language is a small but incredibly powerful way of promoting equality, inclusion and belonging.
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Be an ally and advocate. Use your privileges to amplify the voices of women and those from underrepresented groups. Encourage women to share their experiences and ideas by providing a safe space.
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Mentor a woman. Mentorship programs can be highly effective in helping women succeed and advance their careers in the workplace.
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Create a diverse and inclusive workplace. This means creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their gender or any other factor.
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Finally, promote gender equality in your daily life. This can include identifying and addressing your own biases and biases around you, supporting women-owned businesses, promoting women in your community, and encouraging girls to pursue their careers of choice, which can help address gender imbalance in their respective industries.
On this day, as we celebrate the great achievements of women, we must also recognize that there is much work to be done. Whether advocating for gender equality, mentoring the next generation of women leaders, or simply speaking out against discrimination, every action brings us a step closer to an equitable future. To learn about how we are breaking barriers and amplifying the voices of women at Pega, visit our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) page.
Together, we can make a difference. Happy International Women's Day.