Innovating Against the Odds: Celebrating the Achievements of Women


March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD)a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The missions of this more than 100yearold movement are to help forge a genderequal world, raise awareness, build inclusiveness and champion innovation. The 2021 celebration marks more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, and itsupporters are witnesses to challenging environment of disproportionately negative impacts to women’s progress. Despite this compounding threat, women have forged ahead to innovatagainst the oddspartnering and inventing to create and connect communities.

Women’s socially-oriented innovations, whether in accelerating technology or in improving procedural efficiency have strengthened human connections, driven scientific advancement, and dramatically improved access to vaccines throughout the COVID-19 crisis. 

The first IWD was held seven years before the 1918 Influenza epidemic that also drew an extended effort from women – students, volunteers and nurses both in infirmaries and homes – and seeded a service movement reflected in today’s fight against COVID-19.

As the IWD 2021 theme informs us, “a challenged world is an alert world.” Remarkable women are active innovators in this challenging COVID-19 era. and they exemplify society’s century-long IWD movement toward equality and inclusion. We celebrate their achievements.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Learn more at https://www.internationalwomensday.com/  

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Author: Joanna Murphy Scott

Joanna Murphy Scott is Senior Director, Enterprise Marketing, working to define and advance brand awareness for the organization’s licensing, content, software, and professional services solutions. She has an extensive background in strategic marketing communications, creative direction, and event execution.