Juliette Stead.
Juliette Stead, SVP, Head of JAPAC, Magnite
I have mixed feelings about International Women’s Day. Without a doubt, it is vital to celebrate wins, recognise inspiring achievements and show clear, constructive steps that will lead to positive change in order for women, businesses and society as a whole to gain. On the other hand, I have concerns about tokenism and empty, fleeting gestures for just one day of the year. The theme this year is ‘Give to Gain’, which I also have mixed feelings about! 100% - we all need to ‘give’ in order to be part of a functioning society, and giving is absolutely essential within business, a thriving team, and leadership. It benefits everyone involved. It’s the implication that ‘only’ women should give in order for ‘only’ women to gain that bothers me.
Firstly, let’s dispel the myth that everything is fine. It isn’t. Violence against women continues at a shocking rate; women’s rights are on the decline; the misogynistic manosphere is on the rise; women’s health is under-researched and under-funded; the pay gap continues; there are far more men than women in senior leadership and board roles; DEI initiatives are being deprioritised and in some instances, derided; brazen sexism is being given the kiss of life through the example set by powerful men on the global stage. Yes - we have achieved a huge amount of progress for women, thanks largely to women fighting for change over centuries. That change means that women can have a bank account, can vote, can take control of their own bodies, can have a job and progress through the ranks. And we must not take any of that for granted, and we must keep pushing for more.
Secondly, let’s look at practical ways people - men and women - can ‘give’ in order to create ‘gains’. From a professional standpoint, we can give our time - mentor and coach those around us to build talent; we can give intentional thought to representation and diversity to eliminate subconscious bias when hiring; we can purposefully create an example through bold leadership; we can give credence to women when they tell us there is a problem in the workplace; we can choose to do things differently and create a space where women can thrive. These examples of giving mean that women can gain confidence, opportunities, respect and safety. From a business perspective, we also know that businesses thrive with women in leadership positions. Creating a positive work environment for women is not a selfless or unrewarding act.
Finally, and I think this goes to the heart of my mixed feelings about the ‘give to gain’ theme. Women have always been expected to give selflessly. Women are often shamed for not giving enough. Women often deprioritise themselves and their own needs to put others first. It can be exhausting. I think it would be a wonderful act of rebellion, empowerment and strength for women to give themselves a gift starting this International Women’s Day, such as: boundaries; the ability to say no; time to put themselves first; a pat on the back for a job well done; the confidence to give an opportunity a red hot go when it presents itself.
So let’s enjoy International Women’s Day, and let’s celebrate the awesome women we all have the privilege of knowing and working with. Let’s strive for better and continue to interrogate the ways that each of us - men and women - can create opportunities for women to thrive. But let’s make it part of the norm - not just a one day event until the same time next year.