Celebrating International Women's Day: A Recruiter's Perspective

By Lynne Dare, Operations Director, Mosaic Search & Selection

International Women’s Day, observed annually on 8th March, is a global celebration of women’s achievements, progress, and contributions to society.  As recruiters, we recognise the significance of this day in promoting gender equality and diversity in the workplace.  Understanding the history of International Women’s Day helps us appreciate its importance and the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

The Origins of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day has its roots in the early 20th century labour and suffrage movements.  The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on 28th February 1909, organised by the Socialist Party of America to honour the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York.  Inspired by this event, women around the world began advocating for better working conditions, suffrage, and equal rights.

The idea of an international day to celebrate women’s achievements gained momentum at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910.  German socialist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an annual International Women’s Day to promote women’s rights and support for universal suffrage.  The proposal was met with unanimous approval, and the first International Women’s Day was celebrated the following year, on 19th  March 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

From a Recruiter’s Perspective

As recruiters, we play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce and driving organisational change.  This significant day serves as a reminder of the importance of gender diversity and inclusion in recruitment practices. By actively seeking out and championing women candidates, we contribute to building more equitable and diverse workplaces.  Moreover, International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work that still needs to be done to eliminate gender bias and create equal opportunities for all.

My Personal Journey

As the co-founder of Mosaic Search & Selection, opportunities for women in leadership roles were limited 25 years ago, and the glass ceiling loomed large.  However, we were determined to challenge the status quo and create a more inclusive environment for women in executive positions.

Over the years, I have witnessed significant shifts in the recruitment landscape.  There is a greater awareness of the importance of gender diversity, and organisations are actively seeking out female leaders to drive innovation and growth.  As a result, our experiences as Search Consultants have evolved, and we have had the privilege of placing talented women in high-level executive roles across the industries that Mosaic Search specialises in.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year and beyond, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace.  Let us continue to advocate for women’s rights, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for female talent to thrive and succeed.  Together, we can build a future where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

International Women’s Day holds special significance for recruiters as we strive to create more inclusive and diverse workplaces.  At Mosaic Search we are proud to have played a role in championing gender diversity and empowering women in leadership roles.

While there is still work to be done, I am hopeful that by working together, we can create a world where women are valued, respected, and celebrated for their contributions to the workforce and society.