Aanuoluwaposimi Mary Ajayi’s Post

In the spirit of Women's History Month, let's reflect on the words of Alice Walker: "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." This poignant reminder challenges us to recognize and harness our inherent strengths and capabilities. As professionals, we have the opportunity to advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion within our industries. Let's commit to fostering environments where every diverse voice, demographic and culture is heard, valued and protected. Our understanding of our diverse experiences to influence us continues to drive innovation and success. Together, we can build a more equitable future, empowering ourselves and those around us to thrive and not feel overlooked or helpless. Let's not underestimate the power we hold; instead, let's use it to create positive change. 🐘 💙 #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #Inclusion #ProfessionalGrowth #WomensHistoryMonth #SeatAtTheTable #DiversityEquityInclusion #Belonging

✅ Inspire Inclusion by Starting with Yourself As I'm getting ready to coach a group of 5 fabulous women, I want to wish all the women in my network a great Women's Day! Today, we embrace this year's powerful theme: Inspire Inclusion. It's a call to action that resonates deeply, reminding us of the collective strength found in diversity, equality, and empowerment. However, amidst our efforts to champion inclusion in the world around us, there's a vital message I want to share with all the incredible women in my network: the importance of including yourself first. In the pursuit of our professional and personal goals, it's all too easy to put ourselves last on our own to-do lists. We strive to meet the needs of others—our teams, our families, our communities—often at the expense of our own well-being. But true inclusion begins within. It's about recognizing your own value, honouring your needs, and understanding that prioritising yourself isn't selfish—it's essential. ➡ This International Women's Day, let's make a pledge to put ourselves at the top of our to-do lists. Let's commit to prioritising our health, our dreams, and our growth. By investing in ourselves, we're not only enhancing our own lives but also empowering ourselves to contribute more fully to the inclusive world we're striving to create. ➡ To the women around me, remember: inclusion starts with you. Include yourself, prioritise yourself, and know that it's not just okay to do so—it's necessary. ➡ Let this day be a reminder that you are deserving of the same care, respect, and opportunities you so passionately advocate for others. #InternationalWomensDay #InspireInclusion #WomenInLeadership #SelfEmpowerment #PrioritiseYourself #Leadership

8th of March : INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY *THEME: INSPIRE INCLUSION* Inclusivity is the practice or policy of ensuring that all individuals feel welcomed and valued within any environment, inspite of their differences - race, gender, identity, abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, religion, academic status, or age. Everybody feels empowered to participate fully, contribute her/his unique perspective, and have equal access to opportunities and resources. This promotes diversity, equity and belonging, by actively recognizing and affirming the value of each individual's experiences and contributions. Inclusivity is actively listening to diverse voices, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, and taking proactive steps to remove barriers to participation and advancement. The absence of inclusivity translates to exclusion, discrimination, and nepotism. As women, we must champion inclusion, be agents of change and support each other. It starts with us. #Women must empower women!# #Enough of Women Against Women!!# #Happy International Women’s Day!!!#

As a male ally in the professional space, I've had the privilege of witnessing the resilience and tenacity displayed by women in overcoming the unique challenges they face in the workplace. 🏔 Despite confronting systemic biases, gender stereotypes, and glass ceilings, women continue to break barriers and excel in their careers. Their ability to navigate these obstacles with grace and determination is nothing short of inspiring. ⚔ From battling imposter syndrome, confronting gender-based discrimination, & balancing family life with career - women persistently strive for excellence, carving out their place in traditionally male-dominated fields. 🥂 As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's not only acknowledge the achievements of women but also recognize the ongoing journey towards equity and inclusivity. By advocating for equal opportunities and fostering an environment of support and empowerment, we can collectively pave the way for a more inclusive future. #Inclusivity #Allyship #GenderEquality #WomensHistoryMonth

Inclusion isn’t up for debate In this picture, there's a noticeable absence: the voices of women. Imagine the wealth of untold stories and unique perspectives that could enrich our boardrooms and business councils if inclusivity were embraced. What if, instead of excluding women, we actively sought their inclusion in shaping our future? Imagine the transformative impact of hearing from women leaders, bringing fresh ideas, empathy, and a commitment to collaboration to the table. It's time to challenge the status quo and create spaces where everyone, regardless of gender, has a seat at the table. Embracing inclusion unlocks the full potential of our collective wisdom, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. Women’s inclusion should be the standard by which we measure progress. Remember, it begins with you. Happy International Women’s Day #InspireInclusion #IWD2024 #HappyIWD

Inclusion goes beyond just extending an invitation; it's about amplifying voices, valuing perspectives, and recognizing contributions. True inclusion means fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of identity or background, feels empowered to succeed. When we embrace inclusion, we unleash the unlimited potential of not only women but all of society, nurturing creativity, innovation, and resilience. Let's pledge to champion inclusion in every interaction, every day. Together, let's uplift each other's voices! Happy International Women's Day 2024 #InspireInclusion2024 #IWD24"

Ditch the Lip Service, Embrace Real Change! This International Women's Day, let's challenge ourselves to - not just imagine - but actively build a gender-equal world. A world where 'inclusion' isn't just a buzzword but a fundamental principle that shapes our societies, businesses, and communities. It's 2024, and still, the fight for a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination is far from over. But today, let's renew our commitment to this fight—not through empty gestures, but through concrete actions that celebrate diversity, demand equity, and cherish the power of our differences. Together, we have the power to #InspireInclusion and turn the tide toward true gender parity. Let's not just raise our voices against injustice; let's embody the change we wish to see. From calling out discrimination to uplifting the achievements of women around us, every action counts. IWD is not just a day, it's a movement. And it's not just for women; it's a call to action for everyone, everywhere. Because inclusion isn't a women's issue, it's a human issue. And together, we can forge a path to women's equality that leaves no one behind. #IWD #InspireInclusion #ActForEquality International Women's Day - International Women's Day 2024

🌟 Reflecting on an incredible Lunch and Learn experience today with Women in Transport hosted by the remarkable Shireen Ali-Khan (She/Her) MCIPR MAPM and featuring the insightful Mel Clarke sharing her experiences. The topic at hand was truly thought-provoking: Intersectionality! Here are my 3 key takeaways: 1️⃣ Intersectionality transcends protected characteristics, as beautifully illustrated in the image below. Let's take a moment to reflect on the various bubbles, identifying where we experience privilege and where we face challenges. Extend this reflection to a colleague—where do they encounter challenges and where do they experience privilege? By understanding these dynamics, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for diversity. 2️⃣ Increasing our awareness of intersectionality not only for ourselves but also for others is paramount. Embracing and valuing this diversity enriches our collective experience. 3️⃣ Often, societal perceptions impose limitations on certain identities. Mel's example of the misconception surrounding childbearing years as incompatible with career growth is powerful. By recognizing the source of such beliefs, we empower ourselves to break free from self-imposed barriers and embrace the multifaceted aspects of our identities. Today's session was truly inspiring, and I eagerly anticipate more events like this! Let's continue to learn, grow, and support each other on our journeys. 💪✨ #intersectionality #EDI #diversity #equity #inclusion #empowerment #diversityandinclusion

Happy International Women's Day from &Evolve! Today, we're celebrating the incredible achievements, resilience, and contributions of women all around the world. This year, the theme is "Inspiring Inclusion," highlighting the importance of creating a more inclusive society where every woman, regardless of background, ethnicity, ability, or identity, has equal opportunities to thrive. Inclusion isn't just about diversity; it's about actively embracing and valuing our differences. It's about recognising the unique perspectives and talents that each woman brings to the table and ensuring that their voices are heard and respected. Leaders play a crucial role in this, setting the tone from the top. By fostering an inclusive environment, we not only empower women, but also strengthen our communities and societies as a whole. #internationalwomensday2024 #inspireinclusion #empoweringwomen