International Women's Day: Progress and Work Still Ahead

Every year on March 8 we celebrate International Women's Day. Started in 1911, this year marks the 115th celebration of collective action, advocacy, and progress toward gender equality.

When I think about this day, I often think about how lucky my daughter and I are.

We were born in a part of the world where much of the work on gender equality has already been done for us. We have access to education, we can choose our careers, and we have opportunities to work and the freedom to live our lives the way we want. Of course, that does not mean everything is perfect. There are still differences and barriers, and there is still work to do.

Having worked most of my career in the male-dominated tech world, I personally never felt that I had fewer opportunities than my male colleagues. I may have had to work harder at times, prepare better, or pay more attention to my professional presence. I never experienced that as a limitation. If anything, it motivated me even more to focus and work hard.

But this reality is far from universal. Around the world, millions of women still face legal and cultural barriers that limit their opportunities and economic independence.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, for example:

·         37 countries do not prohibit the dismissal of pregnant workers

·         18 countries require women to have their husband’s permission to work outside the home

·         75 countries restrict women's property rights

These are just a few of the many mind-blowing facts. If you are interested, you can explore the full Women's Workplace Equality Index on the Council on Foreign Relations website.

And beyond the legal barriers, we are all aware of the realities women face today in countries like Yemen, Afghanistan, Iran, and many others, where women have limited opportunities to work and the freedom to live their lives the way they want.

This is why International Women’s Day matters. It is a moment to celebrate the progress that has been made, but also a moment to reflect on all the work that still needs to be done.

Wherever you are in the world today, I wish you a wonderful International Women’s Day. Let’s continue to support and lift each other up.

This Thursday I will attend the Funded Female Founders Summit in San Francisco. If you plan to be there, let me know. It would be great to say hello.