Wonder Women
Women have played a significant role in shaping the hair and beauty industry over the years, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This International Women’s Day, we reflect on how to encourage the upcoming generation of women.
As a female-dominated industry, we recognise the value of establishing a secure environment where women may freely and confidently express themselves. Stories about female empowerment always find a way to inspire others or create change. In the hair and beauty industry, women are key catalysts for inspiration and change, as their stories demonstrate that pursuing purpose in addition to passion can yield significant rewards.
As a society, women still face a multitude of challenges, from the gender wage gap to gender-based violence. To truly achieve gender equality, society still has a long way to go. International Women’s Day is a time to acknowledge the obstacles currently facing women and to celebrate their accomplishments in the industry. With the theme for International Women’s Day this year being ‘Inspire Inclusion’, let’s keep encouraging and supporting one another as an industry to improve the world for upcoming generations of women.
The theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion’ encourages others to understand and value women’s presence, in turn forging a better world. When women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s an increased sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. As shared by the International Women’s Day Charity, Gloria Steinem, a world-renowned feminist, journalist, and activist, reportedly once explained, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” In light of this, make International Women’s Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women in your salon.
Lesley Blair, MBE, CEO and Chair of BABTAC and CIBTAC, shared, “Inspiring Inclusion is not just relevant, but actually imperative at a time when the world is faltering with tolerance and acceptance. Our industry is an influential and growing sector and unique in the percentage of pioneering and iconic women we are privileged to have representing us. With that power comes responsibility. We need to actively improve and celebrate our diversity and inclusivity, not just discuss it. Words inspire, but actions initiate change.”
Founded in 1911, International Women’s Day continues to be a significant occasion for advancing women’s equality, with the day dedicated to everyone worldwide. Salons have the ability to acknowledge International Women’s Day in whatever way they deem most relevant to their unique environment, goals and target audience, empowering females throughout the industry.
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