International Women's Day (IWD) has been celebrated for over a century, with the first observance taking place on February 28, 1909, in New York City. It was originally organized by the Socialist Party of America to honor a 1908 garment workers' strike in New York, where women protested against poor working conditions. In this day and age it is observed on March 8th of each year, and with it we celebrate and honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. It is also a time to recommit to how we as individuals wish to participate in the ongoing progress towards gender equality, with this year's theme (2023) being "Embrace Equity".
While equality and equity are often used interchangeably, there is an important difference between the two. Equality is about treating everyone the same and providing equal opportunities, regardless of differences such as gender, race, or ability. Equity, on the other hand, recognizes that people have different needs and seeks to provide resources and support based on those differences to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. In other words, equity is about creating a level playing field by addressing systemic barriers and ensuring that everyone has the tools and resources they need to thrive.
As a woman-owned company wanting to make a difference, we check in and ask ourselves - what are the ways in which we can best be part of the solution?
For us, it's all about periods! Despite progress made over the years, there is still a great deal of work that needs to be done to tackle the stigma and shame that often accompanies menstruation, increase awareness of the unique challenges and requirements of menstruators, and improve access to appropriate period products and disposal solutions. At MaskIT, we passionately believe in the importance of period equity and are dedicated to contributing to a more just and equitable society for all menstruators. We firmly believe that everyone deserves the right to manage their periods from start to finish with dignity, respect, and we are committed to doing our part to make that a reality.
Each of us brings a distinct blend of life experiences, passions, and skills that drive our actions. With all of the unique qualities that make you who you are, what big or small steps can you take this year to advance equity for your fellow sisters?