Women’s Equality Day: Celebrating and Supporting Women in the Workplace

August 26th is Women’s Equality Day, a day that reminds us how far we’ve come since the 19th Amendment was passed in 1919, granting women the right to vote. But beyond the historical significance, it’s also a day to recognize the incredible contributions women make in the workplace every day.

Women have always been a driving force in shaping industries, bringing fresh perspectives, leadership styles, and a knack for innovation. Yet, the success of women in the workplace doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it’s the result of supportive environments that allow them to thrive.

Building a Supportive Culture

Creating a workplace where women can succeed means more than just having policies in place. It’s about fostering a culture that values, uplifts, and actively supports women. One way many organizations do this is through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) specifically focused on women’s advancement. These groups create a sense of community, provide mentorship opportunities, and offer a platform for women to share their experiences and challenges. For example, our Women’s ERG is hosting a special event featuring guest speaker Rocki Howard from Diversiology. In celebration of Women’s Equality Day, she will be discussing Empowered Voices: Claiming Your Space and Driving Equity.

Even if your company doesn’t have a formal ERG, there are still plenty of ways to show support. Consider starting informal networking groups, hosting discussions on women’s issues, or simply encouraging open dialogue about the unique challenges women face in the workplace.

Members of DirectEmployers’ Women’s Inclusion Network ERG pose for a photo during a meetup.

Actionable Steps to Celebrate Women’s Equality Day

On Women’s Equality Day, employers have a chance to go beyond recognition and take meaningful action to celebrate and support the women in their workforce. Here are a few ideas:

1. Host a Women’s Leadership Panel: Invite women leaders from within your organization or industry to share their experiences, challenges, and advice. This not only highlights the achievements of women but also provides valuable insights for others.
2. Launch a Mentorship Program: Use this day as an opportunity to kick off a mentorship program that pairs women with mentors who can help guide their career development. This can be within your organization or through partnerships with other companies.
3. Provide Professional Development Opportunities: Offer workshops or training sessions focused on skills that can help women advance in their careers. This could range from leadership training to negotiation skills workshops.
4. Recognize Achievements: Take time to publicly recognize the contributions of women in your organization. Whether it’s through an internal newsletter, a company-wide meeting, or a social media shoutout, make sure the hard work of your female employees is acknowledged.
5. Create Safe Spaces for Conversation: Encourage open dialogue about the challenges women face in the workplace. This could be through roundtable discussions, anonymous surveys, or dedicated time during team meetings.
6. Support Work-Life Balance: Recognize that many women juggle multiple roles. Consider offering flexible work arrangements or additional support to help balance these demands, not just on Women’s Equality Day, but every day.

Women’s Equality Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action. By taking steps to celebrate and support the women in your workplace, you’re contributing to a culture where equality isn’t just an ideal but a reality. Whether it’s through fostering connections, offering growth opportunities, or simply recognizing the value women bring to the table, every effort counts!

As we honor this day, let’s keep the conversation going and continue to find new ways to support and uplift the women who make our workplaces better, stronger, and more innovative. Together, we can create a future where equality isn’t just celebrated on one day but practiced every day. We invite you to join the conversation and share in the comments how your organization is celebrating women in the workplace!

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Mikey Meagher

Manager, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Strategies at DirectEmployers Association

Mikey Meagher is the Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategies at DirectEmployers Association. In her role, Mikey's primary focus is on establishing strong relationships with various diversity organizations to actively promote workforce inclusivity. She provides advice and guidance on diversity strategies and plans, offering her industry knowledge to empower and educate both Members and existing partners. Additionally, Mikey has led efforts to create an Employee Resource Group for her company. Mikey continuously identifies, develops, and promotes new partnerships at the local and national level, broadening the scope of diversity initiatives. Mikey's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology from the University of Florida and a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Jacksonville University.

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