Individuals from across Asia share why it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day and what this year’s theme, #InspireInclusion, means
Each year, International Women’s Day sees gender equality thrust into the spotlight. It brings into focus the progress that has been made, as it celebrates the “social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women” according to the campaign website.
This year, Tatler Front & Female has stories that highlight the impactful women making movies, the Asian singers celebrating womanhood, and the women fighting for rights, as well as those triumphing in global corporate leadership positions, pioneering designs in furniture, and those in the philanthropic sector making the lives of other women better. Then, there are interviews with a feminist photographer, an athlete making waves, an illustrator looking to educate about sex, and a leading literary voice, among many others.
But International Women’s Day also exposes the gaps that persist and how far there still is to go when it comes to issues like gender inclusion, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women, from online gender based violence to domestic violence.
So, while we shine a light on women and celebrate their achievements, it’s also important to raise awareness about discrimination and other issues that relate to women. Today is a day to recognise but also to take action to drive gender parity.
This year, individuals across Asia share why we need International Women’s Day, what the 2024 theme of #InspireInclusion means to them, and how they are embracing that theme personally and/or professionally.
Sophie Mathur, Partner and Asia Head of Corporate, Singapore, Linklaters
“For as long as women are not yet equally represented at all levels in our workplaces and social organisations, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a good time to remind people of that aspiration. IWD can be a time to celebrate trailblazers and shine a spotlight on the next generation of changemakers. It is also an opportunity to share stories—and our stories are powerful. Someone’s words at a panel discussion or podcast could open a mind, inspire someone to be an ally or (and this one is close to my heart!) share a life hack with a multitasking mum.
“Inspiring Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels seen and heard and feels like they can bring their whole self to work. I have benefited from Linklaters’ inclusive culture since I joined almost 25 years ago and now, as part of the Firm’s leadership team, I want to pay that forward. I am intentional about creating space for those who may be reticent to take it and using my voice to amplify quieter voices. Linklaters is committed to giving our leadership the training and support to lead with empathy. Participating in our reverse mentorship programme, where a more junior colleague mentors somebody in a more senior role, gave me many a-ha moments. So did being a sponsor of our global Women’s Leadership Programme, where I had the privilege of supporting the journeys of high-potential women from across the Linklaters global network. It gives me great pleasure to note that today, 35 percent of the partners and nearly 50 percent of the total lawyers in our Singapore office are women.”