International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. However, the day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
IWD dates as far back as the beginning of the 19th century, and is recognised around the world. You can learn more about its history here.
Mo Kanjilal is Co-Creator at Watch This Sp_ce, a multi-award-winning diversity and inclusion company. During a career in international technology corporations leading global teams, Mo worked on creating diverse, inclusive teams. Watch This Sp_ce works with a range of organisations in different sectors to help them understand why inclusive teams matter, what changes they need to make and how to drive those changes and engage people. Mo is also a Keynote speaker, Charity Board Trustee and Non-Exec Director.
SITS has partnered with Watch This Sp_ce as our DE&I partner, to ensure that our visitors, exhibitors and the people we work with feel valued and have access to equal opportunities. Mo and the team will be on hand at the show to talk about how you can prioritise diversity and inclusion in your workplace.
As the ITSM world is traditionally male dominated, it’s important that we acknowledge the continuous work that has to be done, and highlight the voices who are championing equality.
We caught up with Mo to find out more about her career and what this day actually means to her…
How did you get into your career?
It wasn’t that planned, I started working for technology companies after my degree in English Literature, so it was quite a different choice. I found I could understand technology and sell, so I moved into international sales roles at tech companies, eventually progressing to being Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at a FTSE250 company.
It was during that time that I learnt a lot about the importance of creating diverse and inclusive teams. And then it was during the pandemic lockdown that my business partner and I founded Watch This Sp_ce.
What does IWD mean to you?
It should be about campaigning and work to focus on the rights of women and girls and to campaign for change. I feel sad that is has become a marketing tool and lost the focus of what it is actually about. UN Women say we are still around 300 years away from gender equality so there is a lot to do worldwide.
Which powerful woman do you admire the most?
Reshma Saujani – founder of Girls Who Code, Co-Chair of World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Care Economy.
I also really admire Melanie Perkins the Founder of Canva.
What advice would you give young women starting out in their careers?
Find a mentor to help you with your career, so you have someone to talk to about your dreams. And don’t let anyone put you off what you want to achieve.
This year’s UN Women IWD theme is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress,’ what does this mean to you?
I fear the day has become hijacked by marketing, posting selfies will not achieve anything, investing in women will.
Have a look at the key areas of action:
- Investing in women, a human rights issue
- Ending Poverty
- Implementing gender-responsive financing
- Shifting to a green economy and care society
- Supporting feminist change makers