International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
With the World Economic Forum's 2017 Global Gender Gap Report findings telling us that gender parity is over 200 years away - there has never been a more important time to keep motivated and #PressforProgress. And with global activism for women's equality fuelled by movements like #MeToo, #TimesUp and more - there is a strong global momentum striving for gender parity.
Konica Minolta knows how important it is to actively seek to address gender inequality, and was recently named for the second consecutive year an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). "It's something we're proud of, and we're committed to keep improving gender parity at Konica Minolta." says Dr David Cooke, Chairman and Managing Director.
The theme for the UN International Women's Day 2018 is "Leave no woman behind", examining the vital role that women play in humanitarian and disaster planning and response.
It's particularly fitting that the day be marked with a visit from Somaly Mam, an inspiring woman who has survived being sold as a sex slave and who has now devoted her life to saving others from human trafficking and servitude.
"We're so pleased to have the opportunity to hear from Somaly to understand her personal story, and how she's been able to go on and re-build not only her own life but the lives of so many." says Suzie Brett, Director Legal, People and Culture.
Somaly Mam is undertaking a speaking tour, with our charity partner Project Futures from 1-18 March, 2018.
