This year’s IWD theme was about Embracing Equity and forging equity isn’t limited to women solely fighting for change, allies play an important role in change. Who have you identified as allies throughout your career?
In my personal and professional experience, having allies has been instrumental in my growth and development. It’s essential in every aspect of life, not just for progress but also for a more fulfilling journey. I have been fortunate to collaborate with talented individuals, both men and women, throughout my career. Friends, mentors, colleagues, and leaders have been a constant source of inspiration, helping me navigate tough situations, grow both personally and professionally, and shape my work style. I am grateful for those I have met in the past and those I work with at Edelman.
By surrounding ourselves with trustworthy and supportive people, we can achieve our goals and make progress towards a more equitable society. As the saying goes, "If you want to go far, go together."
In your opinion, how do our individual actions, conversations, behaviours and mindsets have an impact on our larger society?
The interconnected nature of everything in our society means that our thoughts and beliefs impact our behaviours and actions, and these, in turn, shape the world around us. We must recognise that every action we take, every conversation we have, has the potential to affect those around us and create a domino effect throughout our society. As individuals, we hold a great deal of power, and it's crucial that we use that power to drive positive change.
When we challenge negative stereotypes and attitudes, we foster an environment that supports progress and promotes inclusivity. It's important to remember that even the smallest action and every word we say can have a significant impact. Change starts from within and then spreads outward. We need to keep educating ourselves, practice empathy, and live purposefully, free from biases. By working towards creating an environment that embraces change, we create a space where everyone can thrive, especially women.
What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the next generation of women?
In my opinion, the next generation of women will face the challenge of balancing the various roles we play in society, while also finding adequate support systems to help them progress and a workplace culture that is flexible and supportive. Although progress has been made, there are still biases and expectations around more traditional roles that women used to hold.
As we take on more responsibilities and leadership positions, it is important to continue the conversation and recognise that women are multidimensional individuals. Striking a balance in a fast-paced, technologically advancing world and a society that is constantly shifting will be a major challenge for future generations. Furthermore, for women in less developed countries where education is not always accessible and support systems are lacking, securing the means to progress will also be a major challenge.
What’s the role for research, data and analytics in driving equity and gender parity?
As someone who works with data, I believe that research, data and analytics have a crucial role to play in fighting gender inequality. In today's world, where data surrounds us, we have the ability to measure and track progress on this issue. What I love about working with data is that it provides an objective perspective. It helps us move the needle and gain a deeper understanding of issues we may not have known existed or how to address, such as gender pay gaps. Through data, we gain transparency, which is essential for advancing the conversation and creating a more equitable society.
Investing in research, data, and analytics is essential if we want to uncover and address deeper issues of gender inequality. Data can help us measure progress and identify areas where more work is needed. With transparency comes accountability, which can help us make meaningful strides towards creating a more equitable world.
ABOUT ANNITA KONSTANTINI
Annita Konstantini is a Senior Vice President at Edelman DxI
