International Women's Day: A Glance of Solidarity for Equality

Editor’s Note: Syndication: This article was first published on The Millennial Executive.

As I drove into work today, I couldn’t help but to think that I was doing something wrong. Although today marks one of the most celebrated days of the year for me, I sat in my car thinking that this year, it just feels off. 
In case you weren’t aware, today is International Women’s Day (IWD)—a day filled with celebrating the women in our lives. However, this year the day has taken on another, more political, sentiment. This year, all women on this day are supposed to strike. They are calling it “A Day Without a Woman,” or “International Women’s Strike.”

Today, I am encouraged to support “gender justice” by taking the day off from work, avoid shopping at major retailers, and to wear red. All of which, to be honest, I have failed to do before 9AM—no wonder I feel like I am doing something wrong.
Then I remembered—each year, on this very day, I have supported “gender justice.”
In particular, over the last six years, I have been celebrating the women that have made an impact on, in large part, the technology industry. Each year, I spend hours spanning the internet and my network to find women that have influence within their own corporations and the greater industry. Each year, I discover inspirational women doing amazing things in their business.
But you know what I have also discovered? All of these women are doing amazing things for, well, other women.
As I examined this trend and talked to friends and colleagues about it, one common thought emerged: There is, at many times, an unspoken comradery among women, especially those in the technology field. And no I do not mean the syncing up of “Strawberry Week.”
For those of us women that have gone to a technology-related conference, you know what I mean. A tech conference is one of the only places where there are no lines for the women’s bathroom and it’s not seen as a miracle. Jokes aside, it is also the only environment that I have gone to where, somehow, at every event, I have a conversation with women about being a woman.
And it all starts with a glance.
It is that glance where you realize that you are outnumbered 1 to 10 and you are both seeing it. It is that glance where you know that the guy you’re talking to is getting a little too friendly and you both feel it. It is that glance where you understand there is an unspoken bond and you both are stronger for it.
Women all over the world, at all seconds of every day are pushing to make a difference. Each woman—all inspiring, all different—are aware of the gravity of this fight and are doing something about it. Whether they do it with a glance or by speaking to a large crowd on top of a podium, the idea of equality for all is not loss.
Solidary for the common cause of equality is something every woman has, and will continue, to fight for.
So, I urge you on this day of celebration to remember the amazing women in your life. Whether you are a son or father, mother or daughter, sibling or cousin, teacher or student, let’s spend this day celebrating the spirit of love and equality to all.