Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day (IWD) . IWD was first recognized in 1911, and is celebrated annually by a distributed set of global groups and organizations that stand up for women and diversity.

The 2020 IWD campaign theme is #EachforEqual and promotes equality to enable global progress – “an equal world is an enabled world.”  The theme recognizes our individual responsibility and positive change that comes from social activism and collective involvement.

“Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.

We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements.

Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world.”

IWD has identified a wide array of missions – those supporting women and sports, women at work, women’s health, women entrepreneurs, and women creatives. The mission nearest and dearest to me is IWD’s mission for Women In Tech, which is “to celebrate digital advancement and champion the women forging innovation through technology.”

Over the past few years, I’ve written blog posts and advocated for the recognition and advancement of women in the privacy and data security fields. Here are some ideas on ways to do your part to support and empower women – today and every day!

Do Your Part

1. Recognize a women in your life. Reach out, acknowledge and thank a woman in your personal or professional life that has had an impact on you. There are many accomplished women in privacy and security that I admire.

2. Speak on behalf of women. Pursue speaking engagements and other ways to share your expertise and voice. Invite women to speak and participate in panels you are leading or moderating. No more “manels”!

3. Advocate for women in technology. Yes, we’ve made progress but there is still a long way to go to improve the status of women in privacy and cybersecurity. 

4. Mentor someone. Women and other under represented minorities especially benefit from mentoring, inclusion and amplifying our voices.

5. Join or otherwise support women’s organizations. In the area of privacy and security, try IAPP Women Leading Privacy and Women in Security and Privacy (WISP).