“Can someone please explain to me what #BalanceForBetter means?”
A leader of one of the gender equity networks I am a part of posted this question to the group’s listserv yesterday. As I read it, I felt a sigh of relief that I wasn’t the only one feeling the cynicism about this year’s theme for International Women’s Day.
Interestingly, the United Nations has a different theme for International Women’s Day 2019, but somehow the #BalanceforBetter theme has taken off. The group behind the theme explain it on their website:
“From grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are entering an exciting period of history where the world expects balance. We notice its absence and celebrate its presence.”
It is true that companies and organizations are increasingly expected to have more women featured on their boards, in their leadership, and on their speakers’ panels. Consulting firms like McKinsey and Company and Deloitte are regularly reminding us that this diversity is not just good for women, it is good for everyone.
But I cannot help but feel cynical about how male-dominated corporations have taken over the narrative about women’s rights and gender equity.
Read why on my Medium site here.