Mary Kay has a decades-long commitment to empowering women and girls the world over. While we celebrate women internationally every day, on International Women’s Day (IWD) 2022, we caught up with our female executives to get their perspective on women empowerment, the work we still have ahead of us, and this year’s IWD theme: Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.
“For almost six decades, Mary Kay has made great strides in women’s empowerment and the demand for equality – but our work is never done. In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we stand in solidarity and partnership with UN Women to recognize and advance the contributions of women and girls around the world. Supporting females is what we do. It’s who we are. Our vision is aligned with the theme for International Women’s Day 2022 – “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.” On a global level, we continue to partner with organizations focused on promoting equality as a fundamental human right and principle of social justice. As we celebrate this month, we encourage you to join us in amplifying women’s voices and demanding equality for all.”
Julia Simon, Mary Kay Inc. Chief Legal Officer/Corporate Secretary & Chief Diversity Officer
“Advancing the equality of women everywhere is at the heart of our company and our founder’s legacy – nearly six decades strong. Advocating for gender equality and investing in women is the most powerful good that we can do to effect meaningful change. As we prepare to recognize International Women’s Day on March 8, we continue our commitment to ensure that current and future generations of women thrive in the workplace. By partnering with global leaders and organizations, our mission is to help women pave a path to independence, financial security, and foster gender equality in the workplace and beyond. Today and every day, we must work to achieve an equal future.”
Melinda Foster Sellers, Mary Kay Inc. Chief People Officer
“Female entrepreneurship is what the world needs now to shape new pathways, grow economies, and build an equal and sustainable future. Data shows us that when women—and women-led businesses—thrive, society thrives as well. In fact, almost half of all female entrepreneurs report being driven by the desire to contribute to greater societal good. We must call on consumers, companies, and governments to support women-led businesses around the world. As we prepare to celebrate International Women’s Day, join me in applauding these trailblazing leaders!”
Deborah Gibbins, Mary Kay Inc. Chief Operating Officer
“Advancing gender equality in context of climate crisis is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. The issues of climate change and sustainability have had, and will continue to have, severe and lasting impacts on our environment, as well as economic and social development. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognize the contributions of women and girls around the world who are leading the charge on climate adaption, mitigation and response – to build a more sustainable future for us ALL. It is imperative that we continue to leverage all opportunities, to empower women and girls to have an equal voice in decision-making related to climate change and sustainability. The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.” Mary Kay will continue our steadfast commitment and work in advocating with and for women innovators impacting climate change.”
Sheryl Adkins-Green, Mary Kay Inc. Chief Marketing Officer
“Every day, through innovation and science, women are solving some of our most complex problems around the world. As we recognize the month of International Women’s Day, we celebrate those that are leading with action, innovation and determination to excel in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. We’re also calling on governments, educational institutions and the private sector to invest in, encourage and advocate for more women and girls in STEM education. Increasing representation of females in STEM fields promotes gender equality in scientific fields, narrows the gender pay gap and bolsters economies. As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19 and the critically important climate crisis, equal participation and leadership of women and girls in STEM research and innovation is more important now than ever before.”
Dr. Lucy Gildea, Chief Innovation Officer, Product and Science for Mary Kay Inc.
“As the world begins to re-open the gates for international travel, more female entrepreneurs are harnessing the potential of ecotourism to improve livelihoods while supporting sustainable development of local communities. Aimed at environmental conservation and community engagement, the idea behind ecotourism is for tourists to establish deeper connections with the places they visit and gain a greater appreciation for the beautiful world we live in. But ecotourism is about more than sustainability and community empowerment – it’s about female empowerment. Income-generating activities through ecotourism helps alleviate poverty and improve the overall status of women. Increasingly, ecotourism is supporting a new era of respect for indigenous land and culture while also serving as an opportunity for female entrepreneurs to achieve financial independence. As we honor the month of International Women’s Day and its theme “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” we aim to shine a light on women entrepreneurship and its role in the growth of ecotourism around the world.”
Wendy Wang, President of Mary Kay Asia Pacific