International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress, recognize challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to gender equality. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” is a powerful reminder that while progress has been made, there is still work to do. We asked Amber VandenHout, Amy O’Hara, and Marie Dutton to share their thoughts on what this day means to them.
Amber says:
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” resonates. As a woman with over twenty years of experience in a legal support role, I have witnessed a remarkable shift in the legal field. According to a recent American Bar Association article, in 2024, the number of women surpassed men in law school enrollment. Washington, DC, now boasts a slightly higher number of female attorneys, with Georgia and Puerto Rico not far behind. These statistics, which once seemed unattainable, now stand as a testament to the progress we’ve made. The advancement in law (and other industries) is not just commendable; it’s a beacon of hope in our journey toward a more balanced and equitable society.
It is more crucial than ever that we unite and push to maintain the momentum we’ve gained. This year, I am eagerly looking forward to participating in events and educational programs with the bright minds of other industries, companies, and partners. I am eager to learn from these inspirational thought leaders and educators about the positive steps they are taking toward gender equality. Recent years have shown us how quickly long-established rights can be eroded. It’s not a time for complacency; it’s a time for action. We must continue to push forward and accelerate action.
Amy says:
I last penned my thoughts for International Women’s Day in 2023 when the theme was “Embrace Equity.” My feelings surrounding the outlook of our sisterhood were positive – how blessed I felt, sky’s the limit, we can blast through glass ceilings with an iron fist. Over 100 years of sisters upon sisters risking their livelihoods like chum in the water surrounded by sharks to advance our equality. In the blink of our eyes, we are launched backwards into survival mode while our hard-fought liberties are being slowly dismantled by a male-dominated force. Our advances with healthcare rights, gender equality in the workplace, education, and the justice system are under attack in ways not seen in decades.
This year’s IWD theme is “Accelerate Action” and could not be more appropriate in these surreal times. I’ve been a trademark paralegal for over 20 years, and in my particular field, we’ve made notable strides with our salaries, benefits, and the ability to work remotely in order to be the primary caretakers of those in our lives dependent upon us. I’m grateful for my employer and amazing team of four, three of us women. My continued goals as a proud childless cat lady are to be there for my tribe of sisters with positive emotional support, motivation and inspiration, and assistance whenever needed whether it’s taking care of pets while they work or interview for a job, grocery shopping, or taking the kiddos for play dates. I will continue whenever an opportunity presents itself to accelerate action.
Marie says:
In thinking about this year’s International Women’s Day theme, I have been looking back in my life to see how others helped me accelerate my action and to think of new ways I could help others start taking action as well. I remember my aunts encouraging all the nieces to study STEM, seeing women teachers and leaders, and feeling possibilities. Today, after all I’ve learned and seen it is harder to feel the possibilities, but it is imperative that we still be hopeful as hope leads to courage and action. I am grateful for the strong women still in my life, from my family to coworkers. This year, I hope to focus on my actions that reinforce in other women’s minds there are possibilities whether it is through encouraging the women in my life or volunteering with the next generation of action takers.
International Women’s Day is not just a celebration – it’s a call to action. As we reflect on the progress made and the obstacles still ahead, it’s clear that change happens when we take deliberate steps forward. Let’s keep pushing, supporting, and accelerating action together.