As most of you must be aware, March 8^th is celebrated as International Women’s Day in majority of the countries every year. What a lot of us are not aware about, is the fact that this day was originally called International Working Women’s Day. This day is celebrated and dedicated to mark the significant contribution of women to society across the globe.

Last year Google came up with a doodle featuring the concept of women sharing their aspirations with the world by completing the sentence “One day I will”

Theme for 2017:

The Charter of the United Nations, signed in 1945, was the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men. The UN theme for International Women’s Day 2017 is Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.

One of the major areas of discussion this women’s day should be the gender gap which is prevalent in organizations globally. According to the World Economic Forum, the gender gap won’t close until 2186.

While we look at the gender gap across the world, let us look more closely at the profession that we are a part of, “Procurement”. Procurement as a function is filled with a majority of men at the most lucrative positions and is gradually losing the credibility as a career option for talented women across the globe.

You, as a member of the procurement industry need to make a conscious effort to make procurement more gender balanced. Female participation in the profession of procurement needs to be encouraged and small steps to improve this can go a long way for the progress of your profession.

What can women in procurement do to take a stand for themselves?

Ask for Equal Payment and Power – One of the crucial areas for improvement in the procurement industry is equality in terms of remuneration as well as responsibilities or authorities allocated. Organizations are taking tiny steps to rectify this situation across departments. Although progress is not at a skyrocketing speed, there are some cracks appearing in the glass ceiling. It’s 2017! No longer can a certain gender be given all the positions of power without a valid justification in terms of talent and potential. Ask for it because you deserve it!

Maintain Work-Life Balance – An environment which promotes work-life balance is very important and more so for women who are more often than not, considered responsible for the domestic state of affairs. If you bring your work home, it will add to the existing stress and pressures of your personal life which in turn would affect your productivity and create an obstacle for your career growth.

Represent your Organization – In a recent “Women in Procurement” survey, procurement associations mention that only about 30% of attendees at their events are women whereas <20% of the speakers at the events are women. Women are more often than not, less aggressive when it comes to grabbing opportunities. You, as a smart, talented and confident woman should make an effort to grab every opportunity that comes your way to participate in such affairs, represent your organizations at platforms more often and make your voice heard among the industry. This will help you attain the recognition and applause that you have earned and deserve.

Lastly, treat the women around you with the same dignity and respect that you expect from others.

Wishing all the beautiful women out there a Happy Women’s Day. More power to us!