Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated around the world. Originating in 1911, IWD focuses on furthering women’s rights, promoting equality and advocating for change.
This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, is all about the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, or roughly five generations, to reach full gender parity. With deliberate actions and practical steps, we can work towards making full gender equality a reality even sooner.
| Practical Ways to Accelerate Action | ||
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Call out stereotypes |
Question bias |
Challenge discrimination |
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Celebrate women’s success |
Share knowledge |
Encourage others |
The Importance of Women at MCAP
At MCAP, we take pride in the countless contributions of the women on our teams. Women are represented in every area of our business, from sales, human resources, executive leadership and beyond. The women of MCAP are an integral part of the successes we’ve seen as a business.
Hearing First-Hand from Team MCAP
Elevating women’s voices is an integral part of promoting gender equality in the workplace and in the world. Allyship is another key factor that will make a difference and something that is proudly embraced at MCAP. We spoke to our employees about IWD and what Accelerating Action looks like to them.
Can you share a moment when you took bold action to overcome a challenge or create opportunities for yourself or other female employees at MCAP?
Bold actions don’t always have to be grand gestures. Sometimes, the most impactful moments come from simply using your voice. One experience that stands out to me was when I spoke up following a session where the language used made unfair assumptions about health and wellness.
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“Bold actions don’t always have to be grand gestures. ” |
This serves as an important reminder that boldness isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about taking action, even in small ways, to foster a more inclusive and thoughtful environment. Sometimes, a single voice can be the catalyst for meaningful change. Often, simply asking the question or speaking up is what opens the door to new opportunities – for yourself and those around you. – Krista Westfall
When I first became a team leader in 2022, I was asked to represent the Call Centre in that year’s ‘Wildly Important Goal’ – a departmental goal we would work to achieve. Without hesitation I said, “yes”. In hindsight, this was very bold as I was brand new to the role and was taking on this very large, year long project as well.
I’m so glad that I did because I learned so much about working with other teams, working with other managers, how to communicate and share results and action plans with my team. There was so much support through that process, I can honestly say that building great leaders is something MCAP does very well. – Dawn Campbell
What is some advice you would give to your female colleagues looking to break barriers and push for progress within the industry?
Communication is key to finding opportunities. Make sure your leader knows what your goals are—don’t wait for them to start the conversation.
I’ve always believed in building future skills within my current role. Look for ways to get involved. Ask about projects, committees, teams, or shadowing opportunities, and keep the conversation going.
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“Communication is key to finding opportunities. ” |
Lastly, something equally important, and a reminder I give myself often: have patience. “Rome wasn’t built in a day” is true; “all roads lead to Rome”? Not so much. Growth takes time, but staying proactive and engaged pays off. – Dawn Campbell
Breaking barriers and pushing for progress within the industry requires determination, resilience, and a supportive network. My advice to female colleagues is to believe in themselves and trust their abilities, as confidence is an important foundation to their growth. Seeking mentorship and building a network of allies can provide valuable guidance and open doors to new opportunities.
Continuous learning, growth and agility are equally as important when meeting new challenges. Speaking up, making your voice heard, supporting other women, and advocating equal opportunities are effective ways of ensuring that true change is put into action. – Thomas Markandonis
Who do you think of as an inspiration when you think of International Women’s Day?
Arianna Huffington is one of many individuals who springs to mind when thinking of International Women’s Day. She inspires us to expand the definition of success beyond just achievements to include well-being and resilience.
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“Failure and setbacks aren’t blockades; they are avenues for growth. ” |
Her story about building The Huffington Post and Thrive Global is motivating because it defies convention. It inspires everyone, especially women, to strive for greatness while being authentic. One quote that has always inspired me is, “Failure is not the opposite of success; it's part of success.” It is a powerful reminder that failure and setbacks aren’t blockades; they are avenues for growth. – Thomas Markandonis
There are many well-known women whose achievements continue to inspire us -- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Malala Yousafzai, and Oprah Winfrey, to name just a few. However, inspiration doesn’t only come from global figures; we are surrounded by incredible women every day at MCAP.
In my decade spent in SF Operations, I have been truly inspired by Penny St. Antoine, Rodika Campbell, Lori Hmiel and Victoria Imola. These remarkable women have transformed MCAP, made a significant positive impact on our business, and, most importantly, prioritized mentoring the next generation of leaders. Their dedication to fostering growth and change within the organization ensures that MCAP continues to evolve for the better. – Krista Westfall
For more information on International Women’s Day and ways to get involved, visit www.internationalwomensday.com.
