Kognito Embraces Equity This International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th. This day acknowledges and celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also raising awareness for accelerating gender parity. Every year, IWD has a campaign theme to raise awareness for gender equality, and this year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity.

Everyone can play an important part in forging gender equality! IWD is a day to call for positive change to advance women, fundraise, educate and raise awareness for women’s equality. On this day, Kognito reflects on how we #EmbraceEquity as individuals and as a team.

Equity versus Equality: What’s the Difference?

Although the terms equality and equity are often used interchangeably, they are two different concepts. This year’s IWD theme of #EmbraceEquity aims to forge conversations about equity and the impact it has worldwide. The focus on equity is the realization that there are different circumstances and systematic and structural barriers that affect the way people can thrive. While both terms are important, embracing equity is a process and a solution to improve society.

Equality refers to being treated equally, specifically in status, rights, and opportunities. In other words, every individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.

Equity refers to being treated fairly and impartially, while recognizing that we all have different circumstances. We must acknowledge and adjust imbalances to reach an equal outcome. Equity means giving everyone what they need to be successful, but not necessarily giving everyone the exact same thing. The IWD campaign focuses on driving equity-based solutions because it considers the diverse experiences of individuals and communities alike.

How Do You #EmbraceEquity?

Last year, the Kognito team supported the movement of creating a gender-equal society through the IWD 2022 campaign, #BreaktheBias. See what our team had to say in this blog post. This year, we started conversations around the IWD 2023 theme of how we #EmbraceEquity and why gender equity creates an equal world. Many shared pictures striking the #EmbraceEquity pose to show that we acknowledge and embrace equity as something that needs to be discussed and valued.

Here’s what the Kognito team had to say when asked how and why they embrace equity:

“Why do I #EmbraceEquity? As an educator, lifelong learner, woman, and a human in a global community, I have made a commitment to empower all to be a part of the solution by embracing diversity, standing with those who have been marginalized and oppressed, and speaking up for those who have been silenced.” – Nila Gorman, Midwest Account Executive PK–12

“I strive to embrace equity to create an environment where individuals feel safe to bring their authentic self, to be vulnerable, and to create connection.” – Nadia Stamp, Product Manager

“I was always taught by my mom and dad to act with intention and elevate those voices that may sometimes struggle to be heard. As a woman, a student, and a young professional in the technology and research space, it is important to me to embrace equity because by embracing equity we can elevate diverse perspectives, innovate in ways that we did not think were possible, and create spaces that are both inclusive and inquisitive.” – Nikita Khalid, Research Scientist

“I strive to #EmbraceEquity as it goes beyond the words we say — it’s a feeling we create for people. It is our human nature to want to be seen, heard, and to experience connection. It’s important that we go beyond words, we observe, we question, we stay curious, we seek to understand, AND we take action to improve equity for ALL.” – Dawn Bornheimer, Sales Manager Clinical Health

“I strive to embrace equity by fostering a sense of community and demonstrating a willingness to be open and welcoming to individuals from all different backgrounds.” – Jen Scherzay, Senior Marketing Manager

“I embrace equity because every person is deserving of chances!” – Dan Statter, Regional Director, Higher Education

“I embrace equity because every voice matters – we are stronger because of our diversity.” – Karita DosSantos, Southeast Regional Director, Higher Education

“I strive to embrace equity by listening. Perspectives are so critical to what we do at Kognito and in our personal lives. Our strengths, interests, experiences, personalities, learning styles – everyone brings something different to the table and I believe that to grow, we must listen to those perspectives around us. By growing on a personal level, we have the power to collectively push for change on a larger scale.” – Deb Serri, VP Product

Check out this video to see how we strive to embrace equity and raise awareness for gender equality:

Give Equity a Big Embrace

Equity means creating an inclusive world for all. We can all play a part to support and #EmbraceEquity. Learn more about International Women’s Day and how you can get involved at https://www.internationalwomensday.com/