It’s the 8th of March and on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, we are witnessing a “celebration of women everywhere".
Late last month, a group of French actors, directors, and producers launched the #MaintenantOnAgit (#NowWeAct) campaign to facilitate access to justice for female victims of violence.
The message was brought to the Eiffel Tower in Paris as it was lit up on Wednesday ahead of the International Women’s Day to honor women’s rights and promote the French equivalent of the Time’s Up movement. The French film industry also ramped up its initiatives under the #MeToo movement, last week, just ahead of the César Awards, France’s equivalent to the Oscars, which were held on Friday.
In recent years, companies too have started using Women's Day to broadcast their views on gender equality. This year, brands like McDonald's are celebrating the day with a big gleaming ‘W’ and the American company Mattel is honoring 17 female global role models with their own one-of-a-kind commemorative Barbies.
Isn't that awesome? International Women's Day is a perfect opportunity for brands to talk about their commitment to empowerment.
McDonald's Chief Diversity Officer Wendy Lewis said, "For the first time in the brand's history, they have flipped their iconic arches". Too cool, isn't it? In a statement to CNN Money, McDonald's said that 6 out of 10 managers of US restaurants are women and that they have a long history of supporting women in the workplace.
Wait before you see what the American company, Mattel did. They announced 17 new dolls for its “Shero” and “Inspiring Women” collections, which are “role model dolls” crafted in the likeness of real iconic women.
These Barbies include models of iconic artist Frida Kahlo, US snowboarder Chloe Kim, filmmaker Patty Jenkins among those of other established names.
"Girls have always been able to play out different roles and careers with Barbie and we are thrilled to shine a light on real-life role models to remind them that they can be anything," Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President, and General Manager, Barbie said in a press statement. But if kids are going to play with dolls – and they will – at least they get to learn about real women.
We need them all immediately!
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