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How to Celebrate Women at Work

Reading Time: 6 minutes

While workplaces have made progress toward gender equity, the work is far from over. Creating truly equitable environments requires ongoing effort, not just a once-a-year acknowledgment. However, moments like Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day offer powerful opportunities to highlight the strides your organization is making—and to celebrate the women who contribute to your company’s success.

Candidates and employees alike expect to see more than just words; they want to know how your company is actively supporting women in the workplace. These occasions provide the perfect platform to showcase real stories, recognize achievements, and reinforce your commitment to equity.

In this blog, we’ll explore how employee storytelling can bring your efforts to life, making your celebrations more meaningful and impactful.

Uncover Impactful Stories

You’re likely surrounded by fantastic women at work. But do you know what personal and professional experiences have driven them to success? What challenges have they overcome? How are they making the world of work better for future generations? And what is your company doing to support these efforts? 

As a culture communicator, these are the questions that uncover important stories and experiences. Here’s some themes you can explore. 

The Professional Journey

“See it, be it” is a powerful concept. Some of the best employee story content inspires women who are in the exact same field, trying to figure out how to get to the next level. The more detailed you can be about one leader’s career trajectory, the more it informs and inspires the next generation.

Watch this example from Dropbox highlighting Sheila’s career trajectory: 

The Personal Journey

A person’s career isn’t just a series of milestones—it’s shaped by personal experiences, passions, and purpose. Showcasing these connections makes their stories even more powerful.

In this employee spotlight from Alexion, Wendy Erler shares how her passion for patient advocacy began in childhood and how it ultimately led her to a fulfilling career at the global pharmaceutical company. By highlighting the personal journeys of your female leaders—the moments that shaped them, the challenges they overcame, and the purpose that drives them—you provide meaningful insight into their leadership.

These stories not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire future generations of women to forge their own paths.

 

Striking a Balance

When celebrating women at work, it’s important to highlight both progress and the work that remains. Sharing stories of success is powerful—but true respect for the topic means also acknowledging the systemic challenges that persist.

Many women who share their achievements also recognize their responsibility to “send the elevator back down.” They know that while they’ve overcome obstacles, real equity requires ongoing, collective effort. Their commitment to paving the way for future generations is just as meaningful as their personal success.

That’s why it’s essential to spotlight not only the accomplishments of women leaders but also their influence in creating opportunities for others. Recognizing those who use their platform to break barriers, mentor, and advocate ensures that these stories inspire real change.

One great example is this video from Deutsche Bank, which features Delores—a successful leader in finance who is dedicated to making it easier for future generations of women to thrive in the industry.

We also like this video from Diana at Akamai Technologies. She was the first woman tech leader in Costa Rica.

“I wanted to make sure it didn’t stay that way, that we actually built a legacy of women in technology and women leaders,” she said.

Along with other committed company leaders, Diana created a group for women in technology. Community members share their experiences while also enlisting a group of sponsors called solidarity partners.

Women Changing the Game in Traditionally Male-Dominated Fields

We love stories of women who have succeeded in traditionally male-dominated fields like finance, technology, construction, and automative. It’s not easy, but there is a lot of opportunity for them to pave a path behind them. Here’s an example we like from the automotive industry. Amie captures your attention immediately, sharing, “I get a lot of looks for being a small girl who puts on a large part.”

What is your organization doing to support them?

The best culture content has your company as a character in the story. What is your company doing to support women universally, and those women you’re interviewing specifically?

We like this video from Dell Technologies, that set a huge goal for women leadership parity by 2030. The stories of women that came after their pledge show candidates the company is ready for them.

Honoring Stories the Right Way

Sharing stories that celebrate women at work shouldn’t be limited to a single month—it’s something to amplify year-round. But just as important as telling these stories is ensuring that the women featured feel proud of how they’re represented.

For example, some women may not want to be labeled as a “female leader” or “woman in technology.” Respecting their preferences and approving both the story and the way it’s framed with the storyteller ensures authenticity and alignment. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it also strengthens trust—and when employees feel good about how they’re portrayed, they’re more likely to share their stories with pride.

Want help? We love these types of projects. Get in touch to brainstorm or get a quote for an employee storytelling project.