TAKEAWAYS
Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) themes reflect our collective strides and stumbles in the march towards gender equality. They are beacons that guide us and direct our way forward – each a milestone in our shared journey. Recent themes include “DigitALL: Innovation And Technology For Gender Equality” (2023), “Break The Bias” (2022), and “Choose To Challenge” (2021), and the themes go all the way back to 1996, when the United Nations introduced the tradition of picking an annual theme to mark the day dedicated to women. And now, as we approach IWD 2024, we are summoned by a new clarion call: “Inspire Inclusion”. This theme advocates for a world enriched by women’s inclusion.
However, there are conditions that hinder the creation of a truly inclusive society. Women are constantly dealing with systemic obstacles like limited visibility in male-dominated areas and stereotypes that undervalue their contributions. There are deep-rooted societal norms that often silence women’s voices in policymaking; prevailing cultural narratives marginalise women’s successes and create an environment where it’s challenging for women to feel secure and heard.
Standing out in a world full of noise requires a personal brand that echoes your unique voice, a voice that demands to be heard and included. It’s a path that, for women, often means exerting additional effort to carve out a space where they can shine.
I am of the opinion that embarking on a personal branding journey is about nurturing confidence and cultivating a deep sense of self. For women, this means more than just being visible; it’s about making their presence impossible to ignore.
Here are the steps to set us on the path to being visible:
1. Discover Your Unique Voice
The heart of personal branding is discovering and nurturing your unique professional identity. It's about weaving a narrative that’s undeniably you.
Are you the Innovator, crafting the future with each bold idea?
Perhaps you’re the Expert, the go-to oracle in your niche?
Or maybe you’re the Connector, the lynchpin of your network?
2. Craft Your Story
Once you know your archetype, let your story unfold.
If you’re an Innovator, chronicle your voyages beyond the beaten path. Experts, share the wisdom that only you can provide. Connectors, reveal the power of unity you’ve created.
Remember, this isn’t just about your job title, it’s about the essence you bring to the table.
We women may weave our emotional intelligence and leadership into this tapestry, but remember, personal branding is not limited by gender, it’s about the true self, the authentic you.
3. Live Your Brand
Now, ask yourself, are you living your brand?
Ensure your actions, both online and in-person, mirror the identity you’ve crafted.
Use your narrative to elevate your voice. From LinkedIn to the stage, from boardrooms to the digital realms of TikTok, let your brand be seen and heard.
4. Deliver Impact
Then, take your brand a step further, into the realm of influence.
I invite you to share your expertise. Become the beacon that not only shines but also lights the way for others.
At the end of the day, personal branding is your professional legacy, a story that highlights your unique contributions and paves the way forward.
Define it, embody it, and let it guide you to your aspirations.
The 2024 theme of “Inspire Inclusion” isn’t just a rallying cry for women but a call to society. It’s a recognition that building an inclusive world is a symphony, not a solo. “The story of equality is written by the many, not the few”, often attributed to world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist Gloria Steinem, says it well.
I am convinced that more than just women should be pushing for environments that amplify confidence and productivity. In addition, we should also push for educational shifts that embed equality and inclusion, cultivating a generation ripe for diversity.
Here I am, one voice among many, urging you, my fellow sisters, to find your voice, let it rise, let it resonate.
We are the chorus of change, the actors on the stage of progress.
Let’s not just be included. Let’s lead the inclusion.
“I believe that if a woman succeeds in withdrawing from the mass, or rather raising herself from above the mass, she grows ceaselessly and more than a man.” ~Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860), German philosopher
Christina Lim is Founder and Chief Strategist of advisory firm Chrisspeak Pte Ltd. She advises businesses and startups, and is the published author of Not A Marketing Textbook: Practical building blocks to launch and grow your business, available on Amazon.com.
© 2024 Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants
